JAMAICA | Supreme Court Strikes Out Meritless Cases Brought by JLP - Opposition approves

KINGSTON, Jamaica. July 25, 2024:  The People's National Party (PNP) has welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to strike out both claims brought by  the  Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) against Councillors Viviene Brown Bond and Ralston Wilson, representing the Kintyre and Ginger Ridge divisions, respectively.

The Supreme Court dismissed the JLP's applications on several grounds, including that it was an abuse of process.

Following the Local Government Election in February 2024, the JLP filed election petitions against Councillor Brown Bond and Councillor Wilson, who had been duly elected by the voters of their divisions. Despite the magisterial recounts having been concluded in favour of the PNP candidates in both divisions, the JLP attempted to discredit the voice of the people by mounting a challenge against the two PNP Councillors.

A media release from the PNP says the Opposition is satisfied that the Supreme Court has upheld the integrity of the electoral process and confirmed the legitimacy of our Councillors' victories. We are gratified that the rule of law has been upheld, and that the integrity of our electoral process has been preserved. We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the legal team that represented the PNP, and by extension, the people of Jamaica.

While we await the court’s decision regarding the payment of court costs, the Opposition warns the Government to be more circumspect in its approach to the Constitution and the rule of law. This decision is significant, as it adds to the growing list of cases the Andrew Holness-led Government has lost in the Courts.

We also commend our Councillors for their unwavering commitment to serving their constituents during this challenging period.

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