MONTEGO BAY, St James — The trial of 16 members of the Qahal Yahweh religious sect was again stalled on Wednesday as the prosecution’s key witness — the investigating officer — was unable to attend court to give testimony. The development drew sharp criticism from Judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce, who expressed dissatisfaction over the ongoing postponements.

During proceedings at St James Parish Court, Judge Grant-Pryce reminded all parties that the court had initially scheduled July 29 and 30 to hear the investigating officer’s evidence, anticipating that this would mark the conclusion of the prosecution’s case.

The judge questioned how, after two scheduled dates, the matter was still unresolved, emphasising that the original understanding was to hear the officer’s evidence on the first day and begin the no-case submission on the next. She acknowledged that the current prosecutor had recently taken over the case but made it clear the delays were unacceptable.

Representing the defendants, Peter Champagnie, King’s Counsel, challenged the prosecution’s request for another postponement. He pointed to a statement from the investigating officer dated July 7, 2023, which, he suggested, could be admitted without requiring the officer’s physical appearance in court.

“At one instance the court was advised that the investigating officer had a medical issue, and that was why he was not available. It was against that background, as well as taking into consideration other factors, why the defence indicated today that they have no difficulty with the statement being agreed upon,” Champagnie said.

He added that, based on how the evidence had unfolded, he did not believe the investigating officer’s attendance — simply to point out someone and say, for example, “This is the person I arrested” — would have any real impact on the case. He argued that, at such a late stage, for the Crown to now question whether identification was an issue, despite having conduct of the matter all along and choosing to call the officer, based on the response received, amounted to an abuse of the process in terms of time.

Judge Grant-Pryce acknowledged the Crown’s position, stating, “The Crown has called several witnesses, and has on its list of witnesses the investigating officer. The officer, I am assuming, is going to tie up and make this entire case make a little more sense.”

She added, “How will this witness advance the case, I am not sure, but I am not going to fetter the prosecution because that is not my role. But I hasten to say, prosecution, this is not good, this is disappointing at least.”

It was further revealed that the investigating officer, currently based outside St James, has several upcoming medical appointments and will soon be taking leave.

Bail for all 16 accused was extended until November 20.

The defendants — Christopher Anderson, Omar Thompson, Jevaughn Thompson, Nekeisha Harding, Derrick Clarke, Roanalee Maitland, Alicia Meadley, Fabian Nelson, Franchain Paris, Jodian Spence, Jose Foskin, Oral Spence, Rayon Letman, Ingrid Williams, Vera Woolery, and Melisha Thompson — are facing charges under the Child Care and Protection Act and the Education Act.

The charges stem from a police operation conducted on June 7, 2023, at the Qahal Yahweh compound in Paradise, Norwood, St James, during which the authorities rescued 23 children and placed them in State care.

Less than a month later, on June 30, law enforcement officials returned to the property, resulting in the arrest and formal charging of 16 individuals connected to the controversial religious group.

In 2019, Qahal Yahweh was thrust into the spotlight after six children — including a pregnant 16-year-old — were removed from the same premises.