Ruel Reid Receives $3.3 Million Settlement from Jamaica College

Former Minister of Education Ruel Reid has received a $3.3 million settlement from Jamaica College (JC) over disputed incentive payments from his tenure as principal.

The Jamaica College Trust explained that this “difficult commercial decision” was reached after obtaining legal advice and considering the high costs of litigation. Derek Jones, Chairman of the Jamaica College Trust, mentioned that the settlement amounts to 10% of the disputed sum.

“This resolution allows us to focus on enhancing the education of the 1,650 boys at Jamaica College,” Jones said.

In July 2023, Reid filed a lawsuit against the Jamaica College Trust and the Jamaica College Foundation, seeking $28 million, including interest. He claimed that incentive payments agreed upon during his principalship should continue during his secondment and special leave as Minister of Education. Reid cited verbal agreements with the late Danny Williams, who had held various official roles at JC.

The JC Trust and Foundation, after consulting with Williams and obtaining legal counsel, believed they had a strong defense. However, Williams’ death in September 2023 made him unavailable to counter Reid’s verbal agreement claims, prompting the Trust to settle.

The JC Trust noted that a trial could have taken several years and incurred legal fees of approximately $5 million, with the total amount at risk being around $33 million. Jones expressed relief at the settlement, emphasizing his commitment to advancing the school’s interests.

Reid has been facing legal issues since October 2019 for allegedly defrauding the Ministry of Education and the Caribbean Maritime University, leading to his resignation from the Andrew Holness-led Cabinet in March 2019.