ST JAMES, Jamaica — More than 30 people from various parishes showed up in the St James Parish Court on Friday, seeking to reclaim their passports and money after being allegedly duped out of more than $1 million by Kedeen Samuels and her daughter, Shaniel Jones, who promised them overseas job opportunities.

A number of the passports were recovered and are in possession of the police.

The two women are charged with obtaining money by means of false pretence. They are represented by attorney-at-law Khadine Colman.

It was revealed in court that some of the victims who were present had not yet reported the incident to the police and that only 19 of those present had matters on the court list related to the case.

On Friday, the 19 victims were asked to participate in a session with a mediator and sign a written agreement before receiving their passports back. However, due to time constraints, only four people met with the mediator, signed an agreement, and had their passports returned.

The remaining individuals were instructed to meet with the mediator between March 11 and 22 to complete the mediation process.

Arrangements will be made with the police to obtain statements from those who have not yet filed an official report, ensuring that their case is successfully brought before the court.

Meanwhile, the investigating officer expressed concern that the accused women were discussing the case on social media and mentioning her name, as well as that of two colleagues from her office.

“I told my clients to shut their mouths…I am surprised to hear this from the officer… If she had told me about this, I would have addressed them [defendants] a long time ago,” said defence attorney Colman in response.

However, the officer stated that she was only made aware of it on Monday.

The case was subsequently set for mention on March 26, when mediation will continue. The two defendants’ bails were extended until then.

Samuels and Jones are accused of operating an international employment programme without the proper legal authorisation.

It is alleged that between January and December of 2023, they collected J$639,000 as well as US$3,700 and passports from more than 30 individuals, promising to place them in jobs overseas.

After waiting for some time, the expected employment prospects did not come to fruition, and the complainants did not receive a refund.

The matter was reported to the authorities, resulting in the two being charged.