The Supreme Court of Jamaica on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit from an ex-Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) board member against Agriculture Minister Floyd Green and other JAS members.

Justice Sonya Wint-Blair ruled on a preliminary point that Lawrence Robertson’s matter was not properly before the court due to improper service.

Counsel appearing for the defendants highlighted procedural irregularities and deficiencies in the commencement of the claim brought by Robertson. Attempts by the claimant’s attorney to have these irregularities disregarded were rejected by the court.

Consequently, the judge ruled that the Fixed Date Claim Form was not properly served upon the defendants, that the application for contempt of court proceedings was not properly before the court and that the application was struck out. In the ruling, the Judge also awarded costs to the defendants, to be agreed or taxed.

This legal action stemmed from allegations made by Robertson, that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the JAS in July 2024 was held in contravention of a Supreme Court injunction. However, the minister, the ministry and JAS board members maintain that no such injunction was in place.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining said it will continue to collaborate with the JAS to advance initiatives aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s agricultural productivity while “prioritizing the best interests of our farmers”. The ministry said it also stands ready to “strenuously defend any further action brought in relation to this matter”.