 |
ST. THOMAS, Jamaica |
Former mayor of Morant Bay and current councillor for the White Horses division, Hubert Ryan Williams, is at the center of a growing scandal involving allegations of illegal land occupation and incitement, according to a detailed report from SCJ Holdings Limited.
Williams, a member of the opposition People’s National Party (PNP), is being accused of illegally occupying government-owned lands and encouraging others to defy legal land tenure processes in eastern St. Thomas.
15 Acres, No Lease, Nearly $250,000 Owed
According to a report dated July 22, 2025, submitted by SCJ Holdings managing director Nigel Myrie to board chairman Cleveland Allen, Councillor Williams is unlawfully occupying approximately 15 acres—10 acres at Morant Estate and another 5.35 acres at PGR Estate.
SCJ Holdings, a government agency tasked with promoting agricultural development and responsible land use, claims that Williams has refused to sign lease agreements for the land and now owes nearly a quarter of a million dollars in outstanding lease fees.
Disruption of Legal Process, Public Mistrust
The report goes further, accusing Williams of actively undermining SCJ Holdings’ land regularisation program. On July 17, Williams allegedly disrupted a stakeholder meeting near McQuinney’s Hardware in Morant Bay, where SCJ officials were briefing informal settlers about legal pathways to land ownership.
According to the report:
Williams entered the meeting with associates.
He labeled SCJ officials as “scammers”.
He challenged SCJ’s claim to the land.
He urged attendees not to sign any documents.
He reportedly claimed that a future PNP government would give the land away for free.
SCJ Holdings says this public confrontation sowed confusion among residents and undermined months of outreach efforts intended to formalize land use.
Possible Personal Gain and Legal Action
The agency also raised concerns that Williams may be personally benefiting from the situation, noting reports that he operates a tractor and may profit from ongoing informal land use.
In response, SCJ Holdings is calling for:
A formal legal review of Williams' land occupation.
Enforcement of lease and property laws.
Intervention from the Ministry of Local Government regarding Williams’ conduct as an elected official.
Referral to appropriate authorities to determine whether Williams’ actions amount to interference with lawful proceedings or incitement to break the law.
Pattern of Behavior? Williams Recently Charged
These allegations come just days after Councillor Williams was charged with assault and obstruction of justice in a separate matter involving the police. That case is scheduled to be heard in the St. Thomas Parish Court on August 13.
Attempts by the media to contact Williams for comment were unsuccessful. He refused to speak when approached, and efforts to reach his attorney were also unreturned at the time of publication.
Our Opinion
The allegations against Councillor Williams are serious and raise legitimate questions about ethics, accountability, and abuse of influence in public office. If proven true, they suggest a dangerous undermining of state efforts to legally empower land users and promote agricultural security in rural Jamaica. It’s now up to the relevant authorities—not just SCJ Holdings—to pursue the matter thoroughly, ensuring that no public official is above the law.
Stay with Mykro Wave TV JM for the latest on this developing story and Jamaica’s fight for fair land use and political accountability. Subscribe now to get updates on this case, court proceedings, and more island-wide investigations.
Comments
Post a Comment