Jamaican Gov’t To Pay Costs In Vybz Kartel’s Privy Council Appeal

Dancehall artists Vybz Kartel and Shawn Storm and two other men won a major victory last month when the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council overturned their murder convictions. Now, they’re set to be reimbursed for costs associated with the successful appeal.

An April 10 report from the UK-based court, obtained by FOX5NY journalist Lisa Evers, stated, among other things, that “The Respondent (The King) should pay the Appellants’ costs, the amount of those costs to be assessed if not agreed.”

The order on costs was not included in the Privy Council’s judgment handed down on March 14, when Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John had their murder convictions overturned due to juror misconduct.

These costs typically encompass attorney fees, court fees, and potentially even travel expenses related to the UK proceedings. The exact amount will be determined through negotiations between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the defense team.

According to Evers, Kartel’s attorney, Isat Buchanan, confirmed that the Government of Jamaica will have to “pay all costs related to the Privy Council Appeal.”

Alessandra LeBeach, another attorney for Kartel, also told IrieFM on Thursday that her client was aware of the order and that he’s satisfied that there will be compensation.

“They (Kartel and co-accused) are aware that costs are to be paid to them,” she said.  “And of course, that is a satisfactory outcome, that they will be able to recoup some of the money they would have spent to bring the matter to the Privy Council.”

The Privy Council is Jamaica’s final court of appeal.  King Charles III is also the island’s current Head Of State—at least until 2025, according to recent statements by the nation’s foreign minister.

Kartel and his co-defendants’ legal team included three King’s Counsel lawyers from England and several senior attorneys from Jamaica. His attorneys were David Hislop KC, Isat Buchanan, and Alessandra LaBeach, who were instructed by Simons Muirhead & Burton LLP.

Shawn ‘Storm’ Campbell’s attorneys included Julian Malins KC, Bert Samuels, Thalia Maragh, Linda Hudson, Bianca Samuels, and Isat Buchanan.

Andre St. John and Kahira Jones were represented by Hugh Southey KC, John Clarke, James Robottom, and Anirudh Mathur.

In March, the Privy Council also recommended that Jamaica’s Court of Appeal determine whether a retrial is necessary for the four men, who are accused of murdering Clive “Lizard” Williams.

The Court of Appeal has since scheduled a five-day hearing, beginning June 10, where legal arguments will be presented before it issues a decision.

Kartel and his co-accused, who have served over 12 years in prison, have denied involvement in Williams’ death.