Silvera ‘anxious to be vindicated’
Bail hearing set for April 11 in case of former MP accused of murdering his wife
AHEAD OF his April 11 bail hearing, defence lawyers for former St Mary Western Member of Parliament (MP) Jolyan Silvera, who is implicated in his wife’s murder, said their client is “anxious to be vindicated and have his day in court”.
The 52-year-old Silvera, a oneterm People’s National Party legislator and land developer, was charged with the murder of his 42-year-old wife and mother of three of his children, Melissa. He was also charged with using a firearm to commit a felony.
On November 10, it was widely publicised that the University of Virginia graduate had passed away peacefully in her sleep at the Silveras’ Diamond Court apartment.
However, an autopsy that was conducted three weeks later at a funeral home in Kingston revealed that three bullet fragments were found in her body, prompting an investigation, which led to murder charges being laid against her husband.
Yesterday, Silvera, who was dressed in a blank pants suit and blue shirt, made his second appearance in the Home Circuit Court, where he was further remanded and a date for a bail application was fixed.
NOT MUCH TO SAY
Speaking with journalists outside t he Supreme Court minutes after t he case was adjourned, Silvera’s lawyers, Peter Champagnie, KC, accompanied by Patrice Riley, explained that there was not much that he could say given that it was a Gun Court matter and the proceedings were in-camera. He then proceeded to inform the media about the bail hearing date.
“On that day, the court will hear submissions from us as to why it is Mr Silvera is a fit and proper candidate for bail, and I imagine the prosecution will make a contribution to that in terms of its position,” Champagnie said.
He also reiterated that Silvera was maintaining his innocence.
Asked whether his client was doing okay, he said: “He could not be doing okay. There are, obviously, grave concerns. He is anxious to be vindicated. He is anxious to have his day in court, and he is very much concerned, as anyone would be, in that particular position.”
As was the case on the first mention date, media members were informed that they would not be allowed to cover the hearing at this time.
When The Gleaner checked with the Court Administration Division (CAD) for the reason, the representative pointed the media to its previously issued statement.
UPHOLDING RULE OF LAW
Citing aspects of the Constitution relating to the judge’s authority to restrict media access, the CAD said that the presiding judge, Justice Vinette GrahamAllen, upheld the rule of law as passed by the legislature.
It further noted that it had been long established that cases before the Circuit Court Division of the Gun Court are held behind closed doors to protect relevant parties such as witnesses.
Commenting on the issue, Champagnie said, “I think it is important for people to recognise that based on the offences for which Mr Silvera is charged, they would fall within the band where there is an in-camera hearing, and I abide by that ruling.”
Questioned about the likelihood of the rest of the proceedings being held behind closed doors, Champagnie, while indicating that he could not answer that question, said: “Discretions are exercised by the judge, and the judge was well within her rights to determine how to treat this matter, as I said before, based on the offences. Not just the offence of murder, but by using a firearm in an illegal way.”