With the recent UK Privy Council judgment to reverse dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused’s 2014 murder convictions, King Charles the Third has formally ordered the Jamaican government to pay the legal fees of the three individuals.
The official directive was obtained by a local newspaper from Isat Buchanan, the attorney representing Kartel. This comes after the court decided to overturn the convictions of Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell, Kahira Jones, Andre St John, and Vybz Kartel (Adijah Palmer), who were serving time for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams.
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A Privy Council clerk signed the April 10, 2024, order, which stated, “His Majesty was pleased by and with the advice of His Privy Council to approve the report and to order that those charged with administering the Government of Jamaica and all others whom it may concern are to ensure that it is punctually observed and obeyed.”
Four recommendations were made in the order by the Privy Council: the appeal should be granted, the convictions of the Appellants should be overturned due to juror misconduct, the case should be returned to the Court of Appeal so that it can determine whether to order a new trial as soon as is reasonably possible, and the Respondent should reimburse the Appellants for their costs, which will be assessed if an agreement cannot be reached.
The case was returned to the local Court of Appeal in March after the convictions were overturned.
To decide whether to order a retrial or to free the men, the Court of Appeal is scheduled to meet on June 10.
With the possibility of release after serving 35 years, Kartel was given a life sentence in April 2014. Additionally, his co-defendants were given life sentences; Shawn Storm, Jones, and St. John will be eligible for parole after 25 years and 15 years, respectively.
