Vybz Kartel Clears The Air Regarding His Legal Team

Embattled Dancehall superstar, Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer has come forward to end speculation regarding who’s representing him with regards to his murder and drug-related cases.

A cloud of uncertainty hung over who his legal team consisted of following reports that Kartel sacked his lawyers earlier this week. Hannah Harris-Barrington, a prominent English-Jamaican lawyer and human rights activist, disclosed in separate interviews that Kartel authorized her to become his new attorney. Harris-Barrington also revealed that Kartel issued her two letters confirming the decision to switch legal representation in his cases. However, Chris Tavares-Finson, who’s been on Kartel’s case since the beginning, vehemently denied that any changes were made.

On Wednesday, a statement, by Kartel, addressing the speculation was made public. The statement was issued via Tavares-Finson.
The statement read, "I have not authorized any change in my legal team in whom I have the fullest confidence."  It continued, "I have not retained or engaged the services of Hannah Harris-Barrington to represent me in any matter and she is not authorized to speak on my behalf or to discuss my case.”

"This serves to confirm that I have retained the services of attorneys-at-law Tom Tavares-Finson, Michael Deans and Chris Tavares-Finson to represent me in all the matters for which I am currently before the court.”
Following Kartel’s statement, Harris-Barrington was bemused by the confusion caused but will stay away from the matter as a result.

"If that (Palmer's letter) has today's (yesterday's) date then that must mean he has given them back the case and that's fine," she told one local newspaper.

Harris-Barrington is the attorney for prominent Dancehall artiste, Ninja Man, who himself faces a murder charge. Additionally, she legally represents Jamaican pop culture figure, Horace “L.A” Lewis.