Chief Justice Bryan Sykes has urged the country’s courts to improve the efficiency with which cases are handled to avoid a repeat of the administrative blunder that resulted in the murder conviction of entertainer Vybz Kartel and three other men being overturned. 

Mr. Sykes pointed out that there were jury irregularities in the first trial, which led the privy council to rule last year that the matter be sent back to Jamaica’s Court of Appeal.

That court determined that there should be no retrial, thereby setting Kartel, whose given name is Adidja Palmer, and his former co-convicts, free. 

Speaking at the judiciary strategic management retreat, Justice Sykes noted that internal inefficiencies can affect justice adversely.

He noted that while Vybz Kartel and his co-defendants are happy, the victim’s family believes the justice system failed them. 

Justice Sykes said because of delays some convicts are receiving reduced sentences.

He said in some cases this may undermine public trust and confidence.