Jerome Reynolds, Gleaner Writer

The Jamaican Government wants to become a party to the suit brought by Shanique Myrie against the Barbadian Government.

It is now seeking leave to enter the proceedings before the Caribbean Court of Justice, CCJ.

Myrie’s lawyer, Michelle Brown, told our news centre that the government has indicated that the court action has implications for Jamaica and Jamaicans and it wants to protect those interests.

Miss Brown says Myrie’s legal team has accepted the government’s petition.

The Barbadian Government reportedly submitted its legal arguments on the application on Friday and the CCJ is now reviewing the document.

If Barbados objects to the application then a hearing will be held to determine if the Jamaican government can be a party to the court action.

Shanique Myrie is alleging that she was sexually assaulted by a Barbadian immigration officer last year.

Myrie claimed that she was also subjected to forceful and brutish language by the officials at the Sir Grantley Adams International Airport on her arrival.
In April, the CCJ awarded legal cost to Myrie after the Barbadian government conceded that she had a case.

The matter was expected to go to case management but that has been put on hold pending the application by the Jamaican Government to intervene in the proceedings.

jerome.reynolds@gleanerjm.com