Kingston, Jamaica – December 2, 2025 – A fierce authorized showdown has emerged over the multi-million-dollar compensation awarded to George Williams, a mentally disabled man who spent almost half a century behind bars with out ever standing trial.
Williams, who was taken into custody in 1970 on a homicide cost, was declared unfit to plead the next 12 months attributable to extreme psychological sickness. As an alternative of being admitted to a psychological well being facility or periodically assessed, he remained in jail on the “pleasure of the Governor,” a choice that has now been dominated unconstitutional.
In June, the Supreme Court docket ordered the Authorities to pay J$120 million in damages — J$78.6 million in compensatory damages and J$42 million in vindicatory damages — recognizing the profound injustice of Williams’ extended detention.
Nevertheless, the payout has but to be licensed. The Legal professional Normal’s Chambers has lodged an attraction and requested that the household present detailed plans on the administration of the funds. Williams’ niece, Pamella Inexperienced, who initiated the declare on his behalf, says the delay is “disrespectful” and provides that the funds are strictly for her uncle’s welfare. Plans embrace buying a house and bettering take care of Williams, who presently resides in an assisted-living facility.
Authorized consultants say the case may set a precedent for dozens of different detainees in Jamaica who stay incarcerated for prolonged intervals with out trial, notably these with psychological well being challenges.
The Court docket of Attraction is anticipated to listen to the Authorities’s problem within the coming weeks, whereas the household and their attorneys push for swift enforcement of the landmark judgment.
