(Jamaica Observer) KINGSTON, Jamaica — Member of Parliament Daryl Vaz, businessman Bruce Bicknell and Senior Super-intendent James Forbes have each been granted J$250,000 bail and told to surrender their travel documents.
They are to return to the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate Court on September 5.
The court was told yesterday morning that Vaz promised the policeman who charged Bicknell that he would be promoted, if they gave the Kingston businessman a chance.
It was alleged that Bicknell, who was stopped for a traffic violation, made certain comments that led the police to believe that he was bribing them.
His motor vehicle documents is alleged to have contained J$2000, the court was told yesterday morning.
According to allegations outlined in court, Vaz subsequently made several calls to the policemen who conducted the spot check, and also visited them.
Vaz is reported to have told the policemen that Bicknell was not well, and that he should be “given a chance”.
In the aftermath Senior Superintendent James Forbes is said to have facilitated a meeting at his Oxford Road office in relation to the matter and that a document prepared for Bicknell to be taken to court.
Bicknell never turned up at Court as instructed following the April incident, the court was told.
Forbes and Bicknell have been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice while Vaz is charged under Section 14 of the Corruption Prevention Act.
Meanwhile, Vaz yesterday announced that he has decided to step down as shadow minister on ICT.
In a release Vaz said, “As a result of my facing the Court today, I have indicated to the leadership of the Jamaica Labour Party that I will take leave of absence with immediate effect from my sole position in the Party, that of Shadow Minister on ICT and Digital Society Develop-ment”.
“I have taken this principled position as it is not only the correct course of action but also I would like to distance and minimise the effect on my beloved Party as this matter is strictly of a personal nature. I would like to assure my Constituents that I will continue to serve West Portland with my 110% commitment as I am confident of being vindicated once again in the many challenges I have faced in my public life,” he continued.
“I wish to thank the thousands of Jamaicans, family, friends and colleagues on both sides of the House for the prayers, support and good wishes that have been flowing in as I go through this difficult time. I remain strong in faith and constantly remind myself of the biblical quote “Who God bless no man curse,” Vaz said in his release.
