King Charles III has issued a formal directive ordering the Jamaican Government to pay the legal expenses of renowned dancehall artiste Adidja ‘Vybz Kartel’ Palmer and his three co-accused.

This directive comes after the recent decision by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council to overturn Kartel’s and his co-accused’s 2014 murder convictions last March.

The order, dated April 10, and signed by a clerk of the Privy Council, has the monarch’s approval and instructs the Jamaican government to ensure punctual compliance, stating:

“His Majesty was pleased by, and with the advice of His Privy Council, to approve the report and to order that those charged with administering the Government of Jamaica and all others whom it may concern are to ensure that it is punctually observed and obeyed.”

The Privy Council ruling includes significant points such as allowing the appeal, quashing the convictions due to juror misconduct, and remitting the case to the Court of Appeal for further deliberation.

The quashing of the convictions in March has led to the case being returned to the local Court of Appeal, which is set to convene on June 10. During this session, the court will decide whether a retrial should be ordered, or Vybz Kartel and his co-accused are to be released.

This order marks a grand twist in the legal saga that began in 2011 when Kartel and his associates were accused of the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams. Initially sentenced to life in prison, the recent decision by the Privy Council has reignited the flame of their legal battle and Kartel fans are watching and waiting with much anticipation.