Barbara Gayle, Justice Coordinator

The parties involved in the Ian Hayles dual citizenship case are to appear in the Supreme Court today, to discuss the payment of legal costs after reaching an agreement to discontinue the case.

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.

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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