Jamaica Agricultural Society board member threatens contempt of court proceedings citing injunction barring AGM

Lawrence 'Larry' Robertson, a board member of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), is threatening to take out contempt of court proceedings against anyone who breaches a Supreme Court order and holds an annual general meeting of the society.

Attorney-at-law Hugh Wildman, who is representing Robertson, said today that his client has reported to him that steps are now being taken to convene a meeting today.

On May 14, the Supreme Court extended an interim injunction which bars the Board of JAS from having an annual general meeting until the final determination of the claim brought against it by Robertson.

A letter dated June 26 was sent by Wildman to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green reminding him of the court order.

“This letter serves to remind you that the court's injunctive order should be respected by all parties, including you, the Minister of Agriculture. It is imperative that you abide by the terms of the injunction, failing which, our instructions are to proceed to the Supreme Court to have contempt of court proceedings brought against anyone who convenes such a meeting, aids and abets the convening of such a meeting.
We hope good sense prevails and that you abide by the order of the court,” the letter read.

Green sent a letter dated July 8 to two executive members of the JAS.

The letter stated that reference was made to the memorandum dated June 24, 2024 from Lenworth Fulton, the president of the JAS, to members of the Board of Management of the JAS and staff concerning the suit Robertson had filed against the Board.

“Take note that I have not departed from the Ministry's position clearly expressed in my letter dated June 3, 2024, issued to all members of the Board of Management of the JAS, a copy of which is enclosed. That being the case, I urge both of you to desist in your efforts and or attempts to obstruct the holding of the Annual General meeting which is legally due to be held July 2024.”

The letter was copied to all members of the Board of the JAS.

Robertson, in the claim filed last year, is seeking a declaration that the annual general meeting is null and void without the presentation of audited financial statements of the association along with the funds held on behalf of the parish branches which have not been paid over to the JAS.

In July last year, Robertson obtained a court order which barred the JAS from convening its annual general meeting to select a president.

- Barbara Gayle

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