GOOD ‘VYBZ’
Expectations high in Waterford community that UK Privy Council will free Kartel in Thursday’s judgment
ANTICIPATION IN the Waterford community of Portmore, St Catherine, was palpable yesterday with residents eagerly awaiting the decision from the United Kingdom’s (UK) Privy Council regarding the fate of popular dancehall entertainer Adidja Palmer, better known as Vybz Kartel.
Yesterday, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) posted on its website that it would be handing down judgment in the matter involving the popular deejay in a matter of days.
“Judgment will be handed down on Thursday, March 14, in the matter of Shawn Campbell and three others (appellants) vs The King (Respondent) No 2 (Jamaica),” the JCPC stated.
“Judgment will be handed down at 4 p.m. GMT and will be streamed live on the JCPC’s website.”
The appellants are Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Adidja ‘Vybz Kartel’ Palmer, Kahira Jones and Andre St John. Their case was heard by the Privy Council on February 14 and 15.
The entertainer and appellants were found guilty of murdering associate Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams in 2014 and sentenced to 32 years in prison.
They have been behind bars for close to 14 years.
APPEAL DISMISSED
The Jamaican Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal in 2020, along with his co-defendants and they were granted permission to take their case to the UK Privy Council so that they could pursue an attempt to overturn their convictions.
On Thursday, Kartel and the other appellants will know whether or not he will remain locked in a prison cell until 2046, when he will be eligible for parole.
The Privy Council is the highest court of appeal for many Commonwealth countries, including Jamaica.
In Waterford, Palmer’s community, there was a prevailing sentiment yesterday that the ‘Gaza Boss’ would soon reclaim his freedom.
As the news spread through the neighbourhood that a Gleaner team was in the community, residents began gathering on a street adorned with murals depicting the iconic entertainer. Among them was Gavin Bolton, a lifelong member of the community, who expressed hopes for Kartel’s return.
“Mi would a love him come home, I don’t know how the verdict a go but mi would a love him come home,” he said.
Echoing Bolton’s sentiments was Garfield Francis, a music producer and longtime acquaintance of Palmer. Expressing confidence in Kartel’s imminent release, Francis anticipated a resurgence of more music and excitement upon his return.
“We expect more music, great entertainment and nuff vibes when him land inna the place,” Francis said.
Kirk Ellis, who had driven Palmer’s entourage for years, spoke highly of the entertainer’s character and community involvement,
“Kartel is a good and decent man in the community, him nuh left we out, if we have little problem and show him, him help us out,” Ellis said.
Amid the anticipation, Richard Palmer, unrelated to Vybz Kartel, envisioned a revitalisation of the community’s image, anticipating an influx of crews filming documentaries following Kartel’s release.
“We will see different film crews from overseas coming to this community to film documentaries,” he said.
Reflecting on the trial’s proceedings, Richard expressed relief that the case had reached the Privy Council.
“He got a very very raw deal, I am glad it went to the Privy Council to be sorted out and now we are looking forward to his release next week, which is a must.”