PRAYING FOR JUSTICE

A female relative of Melissa Silvera was seen leaving the downtown Kingston-based Gun Court in tears yesterday morning, saying the family is praying for justice after the court accepted a guilty plea to manslaughter from her husband, Jolyan Silvera.

The former St Mary Western member of parliament, who had been charged with murder in connection with his wife’s November 10 2023 death at their Stony Hill, St Andrew, home, surprised the public on Monday when it was revealed that he had pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

At the time, the court was preparing to begin his trial for murder and using a firearm to commit a felony before Chief Justice Bryan Sykes.

By the following day, both parties had made in-camera submissions, with the Crown indicating its acceptance of the plea on the grounds of provocation. On Thursday, Chief Justice Sykes approved the guilty plea on both counts and scheduled sentencing for March 6, while Silvera was remanded.

The distressed relative, accompanied by a male family member, said the family would make further comments after sentencing.

Silvera’s attorney, Peter Champagnie, told the media that the matter is at a very delicate stage and that he could not comment in detail at this time. He indicated he would address public concerns regarding his client’s plea after sentencing.

“It would not be prudent to comment on anything to come or anything that happened in the case today,” Champagnie said.

Unofficial reports suggest that Jolyan lost control during a heated argument with his wife, which followed hurtful words being exchanged, including him being slapped and spat on. The couple had reportedly been experiencing strain in their relationship following the death of their two-year-old son, who drowned in their home pool in August 2017 while Jolyan was at home.

Melissa, 42, was initially believed to have died of natural causes. However, an autopsy conducted three weeks later revealed gunshot wounds, with three bullet fragments recovered.

Jolyan, 52, was arrested on January 18, 2024, and has remained in custody since.

Attorney Patrice Riley also represents Silvera.

The Silveras, who shared four sons together, tied the knot on December 12, 2015 during a star-studded ceremony at the St Andrew Parish Church.

The nuptials were witnessed by guests including former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, Lisa Hanna and others high-profile members of the People’s National Party, including Mikael Phillips and Ian Hayles, who was the best man.

Melissa’s parents were known party affiliates.

A former student of Immaculate Conception High, Melissa pursued a chemical engineering degree from the University of Virginia, United States.

After graduating and returning to Jamaica, she gained employment at the state-owned oil refinery Petrojam as a process engineer in the refinery department, and was later promoted to marketing and economics coordinator in the logistics and marketing department.

At her funeral in January 2024, Cynthia Silvera, Jolyan’s mother who read the remembrance on his behalf, said Melissa exhibited a rare combination of composure, articulation and exceptional intelligence since she was a child.

“Her story woven into the fabric of our family unfolded with grace, determination and a brilliance that illuminated every corner of our lives,” she read.

As a wife and mother, she said Melissa’s dedication was unparalleled, and she approached her duties with an “unwavering commitment, from the smallest milestones, to significant life events. She stood by our sons … with a radiance of pride and joy.”

“As we navigate the void left by your absence, your physical absence, I am committed to carrying forward the flame of your love, ensuring that your legacy flourishes in the hearts of our sons, and the countless lives you’ve touched,” she continued.

Jolyan, who was in attendance, cried silently for most of the ceremony, while also trying to console their sons who broke down at various points.

tanesha.mundle@gleanerjm.com