(Jamaica Observer) Jamaican Shanique Myrie is yet to receive the nearly J$4 million in damages from the Barbadian Government, but she remains upbeat.
Myrie was last year awarded US$38,620 in pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages by the Caribbean Court of Justice. The court ruled that evidence Myrie presented about an illegal cavity search and detention in a filthy cell at Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport and subsequent deportation was powerful enough for a panel of judges to award her the money.
But almost two months after the ruling Myrie has not yet collected a cent. “It was never about money. It was more about proving that they treated me wrong, and I am not going to make it look like I am desperate for money. The moral victory is very satisfying,” Myrie told the Jamaica Observer yesterday.
As a party to the Treaty of Chaguaramas, Barbados has an obligation to comply with all the judgements of the court promptly.
“I have to get on with my life. The money will come when it comes. That was never my motivation,” insisted Myrie.
Myrie’s lawyer Michelle Brown confirmed that her client had not yet been paid.
“These things take time, especially with governments. However, we are working on the issue of payment,” said Brown, whose legal fees must also be paid by the Barbadian Government.
