St. James court fines motorist $75,000 over alleged $10,000 bribe; brothers face fraud charges

A motorist who appeared in the St. James Parish Court last Wednesday learned that an alleged $10,000 payoff attempt at a traffic stop could cost him far more in penalties, with total fines reaching $75,000.

The court heard that police on mobile patrol saw Eric Buchanan disobey a one-way sign. When he was stopped and asked for his driver's licence and related documents, officers found he had no valid insurance certificate or certificate of fitness. He was told to produce the required papers.

When Buchanan later returned with documents, the officer reportedly found two $5,000 notes wrapped inside the insurance cover note. He is alleged to have said, "Officer, you don't see waguan. Take this awan. Officer, you don't see awan." He was arrested and charged with bribery. The date of the incident was not disclosed.

Before Judge Natricia Fairclough-Hilton, Buchanan denied any intent to bribe the officer, calling the matter a misunderstanding and describing the money as a gesture. He gave an account that the court found unclear, saying it was raining, that he believed the officer was helping him leave a car park, and that he was rewarding the officer for assistance. The judge did not accept his explanation.

She imposed a $30,000 fine or 30 days in prison for bribery, $20,000 or 10 days for driving without insurance, $17,000 or 10 days for having no valid certificate of fitness, and $8,000 or 10 days for disobeying the one-way sign.

In a separate matter, brothers Dante and Ronaldo Spars appeared in the same court on Wednesday before Judge Fairclough-Hilton on charges of possessing identity information and possessing an access device under the Law Reform (Fraudulent Transactions) (Special Provisions) Act. Attorney Henry McCertie represents them.

The court was told that on 16 April, at about 5:15 p.m., police searched premises at Garland, St. James, where the men live. Officers reportedly found a Visa bank card and two cellular phones the brothers acknowledged owning. Examination of the phones allegedly uncovered several lead sheets with information linked to people living overseas.

When questioned about the card, Dante is reported to have told officers, "Beg your chance, officer." Ronaldo is also reported to have said, "I don't know nothing about the card officer, but may I beg you a chance." Both were arrested and charged.

Ronaldo was first granted station bail of $400,000 but could not meet it. He was later offered bail of $300,000 with up to three sureties and reporting conditions. Dante was already in custody on a separate matter before the Gun Court and was remanded. The corroborating officer's statement is still outstanding. The case returns for mention on 16 June.

The Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) is urging the Ministry of Education to obey a Supreme Court order and pay Dr. Margaret Fullerton, the reinstated principal of Merl Grove High School, all wages and allowances owed since her removal.

Assistant Secretary General Doran Dixon said on Thursday that two months after the 6 March 2026 ruling ordering her reinstatement and back pay, Fullerton has still not been compensated. He said there is no legal basis to withhold payment because she followed the court process throughout the dispute.

Dixon said the school board has signalled an appeal but no formal stay of execution has been granted. He said the appeal was filed late and the other side must now seek the court's permission to proceed. Efforts to reach Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon and Permanent Secretary Cassandra were unsuccessful up to press time.

Fullerton has been at the centre of a dispute at the all-girls school since 2022, when the board removed her after a personnel committee found allegations against her proven following her suspension on 10 September 2021. The Supreme Court overturned decisions by the board, the ministry, and the Associated Gospel Assembly church, which owns the school.

Dixon said the ministry should carry out the order, especially given Fullerton's personal circumstances during the legal fight, including battling cancer. He warned that her lawyers could pursue contempt proceedings if the order is ignored.