Vybz Kartel denied bail, supporters unhappy

A Jamaican high court judge has dismissed an effort by global Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel to be released on bail pending an appeal against a murder conviction and extended jail sentence, contending that his continued incarceration is not unconstitutional.

Justice Andrea Thomas ruled that Adidja Palmer should remain in prison until the local appeals court decides whether he should be retired or freed for the 2011 murder of associate Clive “Lizard” Williams. Kartel along with co-accused Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andrea St. John were convicted and given 25-year-plus sentences for the murder of Williams over his failure to return weapons, which had been entrusted to him for safe keeping.

The judge ruled that the court was of the view that “in the absence of a verdict of acquittal by the Privy Council, the charge of murder against the applicants remains in effect while awaiting the decision of the court of appeal.” The bail effort had much to do with a Privy Council ruling in March that jury tampering during Kartel’s trial should have resulted in a cancellation of hearings as it sent the case by the Jamaican appeal system to determine whether the four should be retried. Until then, said Justice Thomas, no bail shall be approved.

“Accordingly, it is not correct to say that at this stage the applicants have no charge pending against them. I share the view that the report of the Privy Council does not translate into an order for the release of the applicants. Therefore, as it relates to any changes in the custodial status of the applicants, I agree with the position of counsel for the respondents that until the superintendent in charge of the prison receives an order of acquittal for any of the applicants, he is bound by the existing orders of the court. I find that their present custodial status is not in breach of the constitution,” she stated.

The ruling was handed down just minutes before former US President Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts in his hush money trial in New York. Kartel’s supporters who had assembled in numbers outside the courthouse, were visibly disappointed at the ruling as heavily armed police units, including a SWAT team monitored proceedings.

Kartel had been handed an expedited Privy Council hearing because he has medical issues. The appeals court will begin hearings on the appeal on June 10. The Privy Council is Jamaica’s final and highest court even as the government and the opposition are debating whether to join the Trinidad-based apex regional court or establish a local final court.