Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith has expressed gratitude that she was cleared of any wrongdoing related to corporate donations to her failed bid for the post of Commonwealth Secretary General.

The lawsuit, filed by Wilfred Rattigan, a Jamaica-born retired United States (US) law enforcement agent, claimed that the foreign minister mishandled a gift of US$99,000 that went towards her 2022 Commonwealth secretary-general bid.

However, Acting Puisne Judge Justice Dale Staple ruled on Wednesday that “the claimant does not have the required standing to bring this claim, and it should therefore be struck out”.

The judge further noted that even if Rattigan had standing to bring the claim, there is “no evidence of the breaches the claimant is asking the court to find that the respondents committed”.

Vindicated!

In a statement after the verdict, Johnson Smith expressed gratitude that the ruling was made in her favour.

“This ruling vindicates my integrity as I have always maintained my innocence, and the court’s decision reflects the truth I have upheld from the beginning – that the case was baseless and unfounded. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the many Jamaican people who have reached out to me with unwavering support and believe in my integrity during this challenging period,” said the foreign minister.

She continued, “I would also like to acknowledge the support of my family and colleagues and the hard work and dedication of my small legal team. Their expertise and commitment were instrumental in ensuring that justice prevailed.

“As I move forward, I remain steadfast in my commitment to serving Jamaica as its foreign affairs minister. My focus continues to be on representing our nation with honour and integrity on the international stage.”

Rattigan was ordered to pay Johnson Smith’s legal fees. However, it is reported that the Supreme Court has permitted him to appeal the ruling in the next 14 days.

The lawsuit, which was filed in April of this year, claimed that neither Johnson Smith nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade adhered to the law and a directive from the finance ministry mandating them to report the donation as a gift.

Donors who contributed to the payment of the US$99,000 or J$15-million gift include banking executive Keith Duncan, GraceKennedy, and the Musson Group.