International
UK Continuing To Collaborate with Overseas Territories To Establish Publicly Accessible Registers
Labour MP Raises Questions in Parliament Regarding Compliance with Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for HM Treasury and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office David Rutley has informed the United Kingdom Parliament that the government is working with Overseas Territories to establish publicly accessible registers in line with the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act.
“We continue to keep the Order in Council under review and continue to work with the Governments of the Overseas Territories to implement publicly accessible registers of beneficial ownership,” the Assistant Whip told Parliament on November 17, in response to a query from Labour Parliamentarian Margaret Hodge.
Hodge’s inquiry was aimed at the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, seeking details on the adherence of the UK’s overseas territories to the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2018.
It was centred on whether the Secretary of State intended to reassess the decision not to lay the Order in Council, a document crafted to fulfill the requirements stipulated in section 51 of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018. This legislative provision plays a crucial role in combating illicit financial activities and promoting transparency in the United Kingdom’s financial landscape.
Rutley’s response indicates that the UK government is actively working with Overseas Territories, including the British Virgin Islands, whose economies heavily rely on the financial services sector.
The UK government has publicly declared its commitment to addressing concerns regarding financial transparency and combating money laundering. There is ongoing scrutiny of the Order in Council, a government-used legal tool, to assess its potential impact on establishing publicly accessible registers of beneficial ownership.
The registers will list the true owners of companies and assets, contributing to the global fight against corruption and illicit financial activities.
Legislators in the British Virgin Islands are closely observing the progress of the Order review
International
BVI Will Rock Their Mismatched Socks for Down Syndrome Awareness
The British Virgin Islands is preparing for a vibrant celebration as the Social Development Department urges residents to “Rock Your Socks” tomorrow, March 21, in honour of individuals with Down Syndrome.
A colorful array of mismatched socks will adorn the islands, spreading awareness and challenging stereotypes surrounding this genetic condition.
Led by the Disability Services of the Social Development Department, the initiative aims to highlight the uniqueness and diversity of individuals with Down Syndrome.
Residents are encouraged to wear mismatched socks, capture moments through photographs, and share them on social media platforms, tagging the Disability Services’ Facebook page @disability-services-socialdevelopmentVI and using the hashtag #endthestereotype.
Entertainment
Convictions Overturned for Vybz Kartel and Co-Defendants Due to Juror Misconduct
The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) in London has overturned the convictions of dancehall artists Adidja ‘Vybz Kartel’ Palmer, Shawn ‘Storm’ Campbell, and two others, citing juror misconduct during their trial in Jamaica.
The Privy Council’s ruling sends the case back to Jamaica’s Court of Appeal, which will determine whether a retrial is warranted for the artists—along with Kahira Jones and Andre ‘Mad Suss’ St. John—who have served 12 and a half years in prison for the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams.
During the trial, prosecutors relied heavily on cellphone records and testimony from Lamar “Wee” Chow, the sole eyewitness, who claimed Williams was killed at Kartel’s residence in Havendale, St Andrew, in August 2011. Following a grueling 64-day trial, the men were sentenced to life in prison in April 2014, marking the longest trial in Jamaica’s legal history. Although the Jamaica Court Of Appeal upheld the convictions in April 2020, it reduced their parole eligibility.
The defendants were granted an appeal to the UK-based Privy Council on the grounds of improperly obtained cellular evidence, tainted jury after a bribery attempt, and alleged undue pressure from the trial judge, Justice Lennox Campbell, to reach a verdict. The final appeal was heard on February 14 and 15.
The Privy Council, composed of judges Lord Reed, Lord Lloyd-Jones, Lord Briggs, Lord Burrows, and Lady Simler, unanimously ruled in favor of allowing the appeal, deeming the conviction unsafe and quashing it. However, the judges refrained from expressing views on the other issues raised during the appeal.
Critically, the judges scrutinized the handling of jury issues by the trial judge, including the continuation of the trial with a corrupt juror and the lack of sufficient action to mitigate potential biases.
One juror was discharged early in the trial due to concerns for her son’s safety, while another juror, Livingston Caine (Juror X), was found guilty of attempting to bribe fellow jurors. Despite this, Caine was allowed to continue serving on the jury, as Jamaican law requires at least 11 jurors for a murder trial to proceed. The Privy Council deemed this inaction as detrimental to the fairness of the trial.
The judges highlighted the judge’s failure to adequately address the alleged bribery and the potential prejudice that Juror X’s behavior may have caused among the remaining jurors. They emphasized the absence of legislative provisions in Jamaica to address jury tampering, contrasting it with the protocols in England and Wales.
The Privy Council’s decision, detailed under Case ID JCPC 2022/0049, “Shawn Campbell and 3 others (Appellants) v The King (Respondent) No 2 (Jamaica),” marks a significant development in the case, raising questions about the integrity of the trial process and the need for reforms to safeguard against juror misconduct.
Entertainment
Peetah Morgan, Lead Singer of Morgan Heritage, Passes Away at 47
Reggae enthusiasts worldwide are mourning the untimely passing of Peetah Morgan, the lead singer of the renowned reggae band Morgan Heritage. The somber news was announced by the band through a heartfelt statement shared on their Instagram on Sunday, February 25.
The band’s statement, while confirming Peetah’s passing, did not disclose the cause of death, however reports indicate that he died from a massive stroke.
Peetah Morgan was 47 years old at the time of his demise. The music industry and fans alike are left in shock as they grapple with the sudden loss of the veteran singer.
The family’s statement expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love and support received, asking for continued prayers during this difficult time. They also requested respect for their privacy as they navigate through the process of healing.
Peetah Morgan’s contribution to reggae music, especially as the frontman of Morgan Heritage, has left an indelible mark. As fans come together to remember his legacy, the reggae community mourns the loss of a talented artist who has left an enduring impact on the genre.
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