For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to make clear that we are in no position to offer a legal opinion – beyond restating the generally known facts – on the likely outcome of the efforts of Andrew Hamilton et al to prize the Government’s hands off assets that the claim was proceeds of crime. Part of that matter is at appeal. The other bit is before the Supreme Court.

Mr Hamilton, a one-time policeman, pleaded guilty in the United States a dozen years ago to charges of money laundering and trafficking marijuana. In 2014 he was sentenced to four years in jail.

On the basis of Mr Hamilton’s conviction, the Government, using the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), has been attempting to seize, first, J$500 million of assets, mostly homes, vehicles and bank accounts, held in the names of family, friends and associates, which were acquired over a decade, up to 2009.

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A convicted drug dealer’s bid to prevent the Government from confiscating an estimated J$1 billion worth of his assets has put the spotlight back on whether Jamaica is aggressive enough in pursuing the spoils of corruption, and if the island’s authorities have sufficient, or the best, tools with which to do the job.

The answer on both counts is no. Among the questions this raises is what has happened to the Government’s promise to pass legislation to allow courts to issue orders for the seizure of unexplained wealth, on the basis of civil, rather than criminal standards. The bill should have been tabled perhaps a year ago, as one of the Holness administration’s anti-crime initiatives. It now seems that we will be lucky if the legislation makes it to Parliament in 2023.

For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to make clear that we are in no position to offer a legal opinion – beyond restating the generally known facts – on the likely outcome of the efforts of Andrew Hamilton et al to prize the Government’s hands off assets that the claim was proceeds of crime. Part of that matter is at appeal. The other bit is before the Supreme Court.

Mr Hamilton, a one-time policeman, pleaded guilty in the United States a dozen years ago to charges of money laundering and trafficking marijuana. In 2014 he was sentenced to four years in jail.

On the basis of Mr Hamilton’s conviction, the Government, using the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), has been attempting to seize, first, J$500 million of assets, mostly homes, vehicles and bank accounts, held in the names of family, friends and associates, which were acquired over a decade, up to 2009.

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Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government is now considering proposals for the restoration and future use of Vale Royal as well as estimated costs for repairs, amid concerns about the deterioration of the property formerly used as the Prime Minister’s official residence

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government is now considering proposals for the restoration and future use of Vale Royal as well as estimated costs for repairs, amid concerns about the deterioration of the property formerly used as the Prime Minister’s official residence.

Holness told the House of Representatives today that a 2013 assessment of the building found significant structural damage, which has limited use of the property.

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He said there was further deterioration of the property over the last three years.

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While acknowledging the importance of the property, he said that it would not have been financially prudent to increase maintenance allocations given the government’s priorities for the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Holness said that the government continues to see to the maintenance of the property while reviewing proposals for its future.

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