Lady Lawla crew returned to Jamaica

 

The four crew members of the Jamaican-registered vessel Lady Lawla, who were arrested by the US Coast Guard, but later ordered released by the Southern District Court of Florida, are now back in Jamaica.

 

Attorney-at-Law Bert Samuels confirmed they arrived on Thursday following diplomatic efforts which also involved the US Ambassador to Jamaica.

 

The men's legal team had reported earlier this week that diplomatic channels were opened and efforts were being made to secure passports for the men to facilitate travel.

 

Mr. Samuels told Radio Jamaica News that the men arrived on a flight at Norman Manley International Airport about 12:56 p.m. Thursday. 

 

However, he is displeased about how the Jamaican authorities handled the matter. 

 

"One of the thing that I'm concerned about is that the only thing person who seemed to have spoken about the rights and the need for compensation is the US Ambassador himself. Where is our government in all of this? Where are our politicians? Where are those who think that they should stand up rights irrespective of the fact that this is the big bad America?" he questioned. 

 

Still, Mr. Samuels said the fishermen are relieved to be home. 

 

"They knew there was no drugs on the boat, but what worried them was the fact that the US Coast Guard, having destroyed its over US$600,000 value boat would have planted evidence on them. It was a nightmare for them. They were happy to know that the liquid was found to be gasolene only and nothing else. So they are very happy to spend a happy new year with their respective families," he revealed.