KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prosecutor Janek Forbes says Vybz Kartel could be granted bail to address the entertainer’s medical concerns during a retrial for the dancehall star and his co-accused.

Noting that the gravity of his illness as well as his mental deterioration is not being disputed by the Crown, Forbes says the granting of bail could address these concerns.

He argued that if bail is not granted then there is a provision at the Department of Correctional Services that could also address Kartel’s mental state.

Defence lawyer Isat Buchanan on Wednesday cited medical and psychological reports for Kartel, noting that the ‘Fever’ singer not only suffers from Graves’ disease and has a failing heart, but also has a weakened mental state.

“The emotional toll, the anxiety that comes from it, the mental weakness that has developed as a result of the ordeal… It should not be lost the toll of the 13 years,” Buchanan told the court.

READ: Judge dismisses evidence argument as Buchanan makes case against Kartel retrial

Noting that the Crown is not challenging the report of the doctor, Forbes acknowledged that Kartel is facing a grave illness and requires medical attention outside of the prison facility.

Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, however, proposed that a prison doctor provide a report on whether or not Kartel can be treated in prison.

Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St John were charged with the September 2011 murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams.

The Court of Appeal upheld their convictions in 2020. However, on March 14, 2024, the Privy Council overturned the convictions on the grounds of juror misconduct and ordered that the Court of Appeal should decide whether there should be a retrial.

McDonald-Bishop, along with justices Paulette Williams and David Fraser will decide the case.

— Kelsey Thomas