Hayles’ legal cost case set for July 26

Barbara Gayle, Justice Coordinator

A case management conference has been set for July 26 for the parties in the Ian Hayles dual citizenship case, to discuss the payment of legal costs, after reaching an agreement to discontinue the case.

The matter was heard in chambers this morning before Justice Lennox Campbell.

Both sides have agreed to discontinue the court action, in light of the fact that Hayles has cleared up outstanding issues and has been re-elected to parliament.

Meanwhile, the parties are to engage in discussions on the repayment of sums by Hayles.

The Jamaica Labour Party wants him to repay the first year of salary he received after being elected as the Western Hanover MP in 2007.

It is contending that at that time, Hayles was not eligible to sit in the House and therefore was not entitled to a salary.

Following the 2007 general election, the JLP’s Donovan Hamilton, 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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