Advocacy group, Stand Up for Jamaica (SUFJ), says yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling on the George Williams case could make it possible for other mentally ill persons who are lost in the prison system to get help.

The Supreme Court has ordered the Government to pay $120 million in damages to Mr. Williams, who spent five decades in custody without a trial.

Despite being declared unfit to plead, Mr. Williams was released in 2020, following persistent advocacy.

In an interview with IRIE FM News yesterday, SUFJ Administrator Katrian Clarke expressed disappointment with the court order, which includes $78.6 million for compensatory damages and $42 million for vindicatory damages.

Ms. Clarke noted, however, that the ruling will set a precedent for other incarcerated individuals who share a similar experience with Mr. Williams.

She said funding support for these persons is a critical need.