Hayles dual citizenship case back in court

The long-running dual citizenship case against Member of Parliament Ian Hayles is set to be called up in the Supreme Court today.

Following the 2007 general election, Donovan Hamilton, the Jamaica Labour Party’s candidate for Western Hanover, filed an election petition in the Supreme Court against Hayles.

Hamilton alleged that Hayles was an American at the time he was nominated to contest the September 2007 general election.

Hayles denied the allegation and filed a claim in the Court of Appeal, arguing that Hamilton had brought the matter to the Supreme Court outside of the 21-day period allowed.

The Appeals Court threw out Hayles’ arguments and ordered that the matter be returned to the Supreme Court for a hearing.

Hayles then sought leave to take the matter to the UK-based Privy Council but the application was denied.

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