Supreme Court property ruling and USS Nimitz visit lead Jamaica news update

The Supreme Court has ordered Leondie Clark to transfer his 50 per cent interests in a St Elizabeth property and a Toyota Wish to his former partner, Dina Kenniston, after finding that dishonesty barred him from benefiting from the jointly registered assets.

Justice Kirk Anderson ruled last month that Kenniston is the sole legal and beneficial owner of both assets and gave Clark three weeks to complete the transfers. The court heard that Kenniston met Clark in December 2018 while visiting Jamaica from the United States and later bought a Fort Charles, St Elizabeth property for US$207,500 with her own funds. The vehicle and property were placed in both names.

Kenniston said Clark’s name was added to the vehicle for insurance and use while she was overseas. She told the court the relationship ended after she learned he had been involved with other women and had fathered a child. Clark denied promising exclusivity and said he had carried out work at the property, including pool, painting, plumbing, roof and maintenance-related tasks, but the judge found his evidence unsupported and preferred Kenniston’s account. Attorneys Judith Clark and Euwan Thompson represented the opposing sides. The court authorised the Supreme Court registrar to sign transfer documents if needed, waived transfer duties and taxes in Kenniston’s favour, and awarded costs.

In a separate national security story, former CARICOM assistant secretary general Ambassador Baron Blake described the USS Nimitz’s arrival in Kingston on Monday as a show of force aimed at Cuba. The Jamaican Government welcomed the aircraft carrier, saying the visit reflected longstanding Jamaica-United States ties. The ship is expected to remain until June 5.

Blake argued that the visit came amid heightened United States pressure on Cuba and should not be treated only as goodwill activity. Information Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon said the five-day call includes community projects and educational opportunities. Investment Minister Aubyn Hill said the Nimitz is on a goodwill tour linked to America’s 250th anniversary. The US Embassy said the visit, under Southern Seas 2026, includes exchanges with officials, the Jamaica Defence Force, university students, school beautification and youth sports activities.