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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING ONGOING LITIGATION AND RELATED MATTERS

  • How many lawsuits and legal actions are currently part of the dispute between Major Basil Jarrett and Jamaica College?
    There are three lawsuits plus an injunction.
  • What are the details and status of each legal action/lawsuits?
    Injunction: The Supreme Court of Jamaica issued an injunction against Major Basil Jarrett, restraining him from making defamatory statements as deemed by members of the Jamaica College Board. This injunction prohibits Jarrett, his servants, agents, or affiliates from publishing or causing the publication of allegations about the Claimants, suggesting their involvement in extending former Minister Ruel Reid's tenure as Principal of Jamaica College, supporting alleged corrupt activities, and coercing Jarrett's resignation from the Board. Status: The court ruled in favor of Jamaica College, upholding the injunction. Major Jarrett was also ordered to cover Jamaica College’s legal fees. Wayne Robinson, et al (JC Board of Management) v. Basil Jarrett: This legal action involves ten JC Board Members seeking injunctive relief and damages against Major Basil Jarrett based on several allegations made by him. These allegations include publicly labeling the Board as "corrupt" during a PTA meeting attended by over 300 individuals, asserting that Ruel Reid provided a multi-million-dollar kick-back deal to Michael Bernard, alleging that Wayne Robinson used illicit funds arranged by Ruel Reid to pay for his daughter's medical school tuition, and claiming that Robinson's private business, Quality Academics, was corruptly funded with payments arranged by Ruel Reid. Additionally, Major Jarrett contends that the JC Board intended to harm his son, threatened the Defendant's safety and that of his family, and coerced the Defendant into resigning from the Board due to their perceived corrupt allegiance to Ruel Reid. Status: Pending Trial Date Wayne Robinson on behalf of Jamaica College v. Basil Jarrett: This lawsuit encompasses a range of allegations against the Defendant, focusing on calls for transparency and financial accountability. These assertions include demands for a comprehensive report on uniforms and merchandise procured from Joseph Sports Inc., a court-ordered mandate for the Defendant to furnish all relevant documentation and financial records related to these transactions, and an audit of profits derived from the sale of said goods. Additionally, the legal action scrutinizes fundraising activities and initiatives organized by the Defendant or the Jamaica College Old Boys' Association during his tenure as President, with particular emphasis on a GoFundMe campaign launched under the auspices of the Jamaica College Old Boys Association of Florida, as well as a PayPal and a CashApp Campaign directed to the Defendant's personal account, both subject to examination for documentation and financial transparency. Concluding with demands for full repayment of any outstanding sums, along with associated costs and additional relief deemed appropriate by the court. Ultimately, this legal action aims to ensure fiduciary accountability and secure restitution for Jamaica College. Status: The court issued a procedural ruling in that Wayne Robinson lacks the requisite standing to initiate this lawsuit. Mr. Robinson (acting on behalf of Jamaica College) was ordered to cover Major Jarrett’s legal fees. Basil Jarrett v. Lance Hylton: Major Basil Jarrett filed a personal defamation lawsuit against Lance Hylton, seeking compensatory damages. This lawsuit originated from a stakeholder's Zoom meeting jointly organized by the JC Board and the Trust, during which a 'Chronicle' of artifacts was presented detailing Jarrett's purported detrimental actions against Jamaica College as well as other details depicted in the aforementined legal actions. While the lawsuit is directed at Hylton, it implicates the Board and the Trust based on statements derived from the 'Chronicle' and presented during the meeting. Status: Pending Trial Date
  • Was the lawsuit brought by Wayne Robinson (acting on behalf of Jamaica College) against Major Basil Jarrett dismissed by the Supreme Court?
    The recent press reports and social posts regarding the dismissal of the Jamaica College lawsuit are, unfortunately, inaccurate and legally misleading. The case did not go to trial as yet. During the pre-trial hearing, the court did NOT issue a substantive ruling on the merits of the case. Instead, the judge's decision was a procedural one, focusing on the legal standing of the plaintiff. This technical distinction is crucial, as it does not reflect on the underlying strength of the legal claims against Major Jarrett. Jamaica College retains full legal options. We can either (1) amend the lawsuit to address the court's concerns regarding standing, or (2) appeal the decision. Our legal counsel, who firmly believes in the merits of the case, has generously agreed to pursue the appeal path at no cost. This demonstrates their confidence in achieving a favorable outcome on appeal.
  • Does Major Jarrett's argument against Jamaica College's lawsuit hold weight, contending that the school's is spending $20 million on legal fees to chase $3 million in receipts and that the lawsuit is frivolous?
    This legal action is anything but frivolous. It is a matter of demanding fiduciary responsibility for millions of dollars in funds that have yet to be accounted for. Major Jarrett persists in asserting his autonomy and accountability to no one, claiming the authority to raise funds on behalf of Jamaica College without the obligation to explain or give an account of how those funds are expended. This stance is unacceptable, and we firmly reject the notion that any court of law would condone such rogue behavior. The ultimate aim of this lawsuit is to secure full restitution of all outstanding sums due to Jamaica College, alongside associated costs and any additional relief or further investigatory actions deemed appropriate by the court. As a thought exercise, if this lawsuit were truly about mere receipts, as Major Jarrett argues, and assuming legal fees were comparable, one must question why Major Jarrett would expend $20 million in legal fees to conceal $3 million in receipts. It's a conundrum worth pondering.
  • Major Jarrett claims that in addition to the $3 million in uniform sales proceeds, the school is now pursuing him for another $20 million (new claim) in unaccounted funds, which he states he does not know the origin of. What is the truth behind these allegations?
    Major Jarrett is fully aware of this $20 million, which is not a new claim as he asserted on national television. On June 4, 2022, Major Jarrett sent an email to a group of JC Old Boys, inviting them to a meeting the following day. In his presentation, Major Jarrett included five pages of financial figures, which were presumably excerpted from a larger document, as the pages were out of numerical order, jumping from page 11 to 3, then 4, 2, and finally 5. These five pages are what Major Jarrett refers to as "audited figures." Upon closer examination: On page 11 (approximately 8 lines from the bottom), there is a line item for "Salaries and Commission" totaling $3,802,976. On page 3 (approximately 2 lines from the top), there is a line item for "Administrative Expenses" totaling $16,999,850. The combined total of these two line items is $20,499,626. It is crucial to note that the Jamaica College Old Boys Association operated from a single room on the campus, paying no rent, utilities, internet, or any other charges. It had one employee earning $100,000 per month, of which the school paid $50,000. When these figures were presented on June 4, 2022, a follow-up email was sent to Major Jarrett with all the original recipients copiedl, stating: "The association had 'Administrative Expenses' (See Page 3 of the Financials) of $16,699,850 - Sixteen Million, Six Hundred and Ninety-Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty Dollars as well as 'Salaries and Commissions' (See Page 11 of the Financials) of $3,802,976 - Three Million, Eight Hundred and Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Twenty-Six Dollars over the two and a half years these figures cover. The total of these two items is $20,502,826 - Twenty Million, Five Hundred and Two Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty-Six Dollars. We need to know a lot more." Nearly two years have passed, and no explanation has been provided. The school remains steadfast in its fiduciary duty to understand how these funds, totaling over $20 million, were utilized. This is not an accusation against Major Jarrett, but rather a legitimate request for transparency and accountability regarding the association's expenditures during his tenure.
  • Did the Jamaica College Trust or Board receive "Audited Financial Statements" from Major Jarrett or former JCOBA Treasurer Mr. Collin Greenland, as claimed on social media and in the press?
    Absolutely not! We have yet to receive any legitimate, independently audited financial statements from either party. An audited financial statement is defined by GAAP and adheres to a standard format, carrying a significant level of professional responsibility for the preparer of the documents. To provide crucial context, Mr. Collin Greenland initially broached the the subject of "Audited Financial Statements" during a stakeholder call, noting that there was never a request for it. Mr. Greenland suggested that such a document would effectively resolve debates and discussions, offering clarity and comprehensive accountability for the USD $20,000 in unaccounted uniform sales funds. Major Jarrett purportedly reallocated these funds to more "pressing priorities" and school expenditures that he unilaterally determined to be so. During the JCOBA Annual General Meeting, Mr. Greenland presented an unsigned document entitled "FINANCIAL REPORT" claiming it contained "Audited Financial Statements" prepared by an external auditor, Mr. Henry McDonald, Chartered Accountant. This document was alternatively referred to as the "financial statement, " "certified financial statement" and "certified independent financial statement" in other discourses. However, when directly questioned, the auditor, Mr. McDonald, explicitly stated that the documents were not audited financial statements but rather financial reports based solely on data provided to him. This "financial statement" , presented by Mr. Greenland, raised more questions than it answered, revealing staggering figures such as $17 million in "administrative expenses" and $3.8 million in salaries and commissions. The glaring lack of transparency in the financial documents presented is deeply troubling. This evasion of accountability represents a grave disservice to the Jamaica College community and constitutes a breach of fiduciary responsibility.
  • Why can't Jamaica College and Major Jarrett agree to a settlement through negotiation or binding arbitration?
    Several attempts were made to resolve the litigation and mitigate the resulting distractions and disruptions via a settlement and even arbitration. A generous settlement offer was extended to Major Jarrett. This offer aimed to relieve Major Jarrett of any financial obligations regarding uniforms and unaccounted funds, on the sole condition of him refraining from defamatory language, in compliance with the injunction. Regrettably, Major Jarrett declined this offer, instead insisting on a public apology and reimbursement of his legal fees.
  • Is it true that Major Jarrett has now expressed openness to a settlement and forwarded a proposal to Jamaica College?
    Through an intermediary Old Boy, Major Jarrett sent a letter entitled "Re. Settlement with Wayne Robinson and others Connected to Jamaica College" marked "Without Prejudice" . The terms of his settlement proposal include discontinuance of all lawsuits against him, a published apology from all the parties named in the defamation lawsuit, 100% reimbursement for his legal fees (stated to be about $15 million), and payment of compensatory damages of $12.5 million. His letter also includes a non-negotiable clause stating that he will not discontinue the lawsuit filed against Board Chairman Lance Hylton, implicating the school board and management.
  • Did the executives of the Jamaica College Old Boys Association overseas chapters indicate support for the lawsuits against Major Jarrett and support funding them?
    Certainly. Yes, an urgent meeting was held on December 17, 2022, at the request of the JCOBA Collective. During the meeting, we thoroughly discussed the legal matters and reached a consensus on the way forward. Subsequent communications followed, and we did not receive any objections or questions.
  • Did Major Jarrett indeed undertake direct fundraising efforts in the United States on behalf of Jamaica College?
    Indeed, it is accurate. The accidental discovery unveiled a scheme orchestrated by Major Jarrett, wherein fundraising campaigns were initiated under the guise of the Jamaica College Old Boys Association of Florida, without their knowledge or consent. This scheme came to light when a U.S. -based Old Boy sought a tax statement from the local chapter, only to discover no record of the purported contribution. Further inquiry revealed Major Jarrett's establishment of a GoFundMe campaign, alongside mirrored fundraising efforts via PayPal and the CashApp platforms. Notably, funds donated via the CashApp account were redirected to a personal account registered under his nickname, "Jubba Jarrett". Such unauthorized actions potentially jeopardized the Florida Chapter legally, as any individual raising funds on behalf of a school without proper accounting commits an offense prosecutable under United States RICO statutes. Major Jarrett's blatant disregard for protocol and his appropriation of the Florida chapter's name and likeness constitute egregious breaches of fiduciary duty, warranting condign and exemplary consequences.
  • What is the total amount of funds raised through the GoFundMe, PayPal, and CashApp platforms? Additionally, could you provide an update on the status of these accounts? Lastly, were the raised funds successfully transferred to the school?
    Neither Jamaica College, the JCOBA Treasurer, nor the Florida Chapter were privy to the intricacies of the extra-jurisdictional fundraising endeavors orchestrated by Major Jarrett. When inquiries arose regarding the status of these accounts, Major Jarrett adamantly claimed sole and autonomous control over ALL funds garnered during his presidency. He staunchly declined to furnish the requisite financial records or elucidations. Despite numerous verbal and written entreaties, these accounts persist under Major Jarrett's custodianship and authority.
  • Was Jamaica College sued by the uniform supplier, Joseph's Sports?
    No, Joseph's Sports did not sue us. However, we have received letters from their lawyers threatening to sue us for USD 20K, which are proceeds of uniforms sold and not remitted to them. Major Basil Jarrett managed these uniform sales and collected the funds on behalf of the Jamaica College.
  • What are the reasons behind Wayne Robinson not being appointed as principal? There is a contention that the Ministry of Education deemed him unqualified for the role. Could you provide a detailed explanation regarding this claim and shed light on the criteria used by the Ministry to assess his qualifications?
    Prior to the posting for the Principal of Jamaica College, the board diligently sought and obtained written confirmation from the Ministry of Education affirming Mr. Robinson's qualifications for the role. Mr. Robinson emerged as the clear choice from a rigorous selection process in April 2022, receiving a unanimous recommendation from the Jamaica College Board of Management (Board). The Ministry of Education and Youth, in collaboration with the Board, meticulously oversaw this process. Mr. Robinson's qualifications and outstanding performance have unequivocally affirmed his stature as the best candidate for this role. Yet, Mr. Robinson's path to appointment as principal has been obstructed by an anonymous complaint lodged with the Ministry of Education, purportedly from the Jamaica College Old Boys Association. This complaint, the work of evil, listing a litany of unsubstantiated accusations, has been allowed to cast a shadow over Mr. Robinson's unimpeachable integrity and proven leadership. However, let it be known that this complaint did not originate from any of the official Jamaica College Old Boys Association chapters. All chapter presidents have penned a collective letter to the Minister, urging her direct intervention to rectify this injustice against Mr. Robinson. Likewise, the appointment of Mr. Ortis Wynter as Vice Principal has been delayed in this evil maelstrom, further aggravating the void in official leadership at Jamaica College.
  • What are the perspectives of the benefactors and major donors of Jamaica College regarding this ongoing saga?
    We maintain regular and meaningful communication with our esteemed benefactors and donors, as well as the broader Old Boys community. Each of the JCOB Chapters has been instrumental in fostering a sense of unity and enthusiasm through a series of highly successful and well-attended events. The outpouring of support and encouragement from our Old Boys community is truly heartwarming and reinforces our collective commitment to serve with integrity and justice.
  • When will this matter end, and is there a chance for an amicable settlement?
    Major Jarrett has rejected several settlement offers in the past, including a court-sanctioned arbitration hearing. Jamaica College remains hopeful for an amicable resolution that allows us to fully focus on the business of education.
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