KINGSTON, Jamaica — Former Education Minister Ruel Reid and the four others accused of financial improprieties involving the Ministry of Education and the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) are currently in the courtroom at the Halfway Tree Resident Magistrate’s Court after spending the night in police lock-up.

A subdued looking Reid and president of the CMU Professor Fritz Pinnock entered at 10:16 am.

The two, who sat in the prisoners dock after entering, spoke briefly to each other while looking around. Reid acknowledged members of the media with a slight wave.

Both men, who appeared fairly composed, are clad in grey suits.

Reid’s wife Sharen and daughter Sharelle as well as Jamaica Labour Party Councillor for the Brown’s Town Division Kim Brown Reid who are also charged in the matter appeared at 10:20 am.

Reid’s wife and daughter sat between Reid and Dr Pinnock. Reid and his wife conversed in low tones, smiling every now and then, while daughter Sharelle sat quietly, her eyes darting around the room.

Brown Lawrence sat quietly, appearing detached from the others.

Attorneys at law Christoper Townsend and Hugh Wildman as well as Carolyn Chuck are present in the courtroom.

This is the first mention of the case against the five accused, who were yesterday charged with breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act (CPA), conspiracy to defraud, misconduct in a public office at common law and breaches of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

Alicia Dunkley-Willis