Case brought against Agriculture Minister and JAS members dismissed by Supreme Court, decision to be appealed
The case which was brought against Agriculture Minister Floyd Green and four members of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) was dismissed yesterday by the Supreme Court.
In July last year, then board member Lawrence Robertson filed a contempt of court claim following the hosting of an Annual General Meeting (AGM) despite a court order barring its occurrence.
The injunction stemmed from an earlier claim by Robertson in 2023, seeking a declaration that the AGM was null and void without the presentation of the JAS’ audited financial statements.
In a statement, the Ministry said its legal team yesterday highlighted procedural irregularities and deficiencies in the commencement of the claim brought by Robertson.
It said Presiding Judge Justice Sonya Wint-Blair then rejected attempts by Robertson’s attorney to have the irregularities disregarded.
The Ministry noted that according to the judge, the fixed date claim form was not properly served upon the defendants.
Therefore, she ruled that the application for contempt of court proceedings was not properly before the court and that the application is struck out.
The judge also awarded costs to the defendants to be agreed or taxed.
The Ministry says it will continue to collaborate with the JAS to advance initiatives aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s agricultural productivity while prioritizing the best interests of farmers.
Meanwhile, Robertson’s attorney, Hugh Wildman says the Supreme Court’s decision will be appealed today.
He was speaking to IRIE FM News last evening.
The Ministry says it stands ready to strenuously defend any further action brought in relation to this matter.
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