Former mayor of Morant Bay and councillor for the White Horses division in St. Thomas, thePeople’s National Party’s, PNP, Hubert Ryan Williams, is being accused of illegally occupying government-owned lands while encouraging others to do the same by SCJ Holdings Limited.
The stunning allegations are outlined in a report by the government-owned company, which is actively engaged in a land regularisation initiative at the Morant Estate in the parish.
Chevon Campbell tells us more.
SCJ Holdings is trying to promote agricultural development, provide land tenure security, and encourage responsible land stewardship in St. Thomas.
According to SCJ Holdings managing director, Nigel Myrie, councillor for the White Horses division and former mayor of Morant Bay, Hubert Ryan Williams, is actively undermining this mandate.
The allegations are outlined in a report by Mr. Myrie to SCJ Holdings chairman, Cleveland Allen, dated July 22, 2025.
Nationwide News has seen a copy of the document.
The report claims Councillor Williams is unlawfully using approximately 10 acres at Morant Estate and another 5.35 acres at PGR Estate in Eastern St. Thomas.
According to SCJ Holdings, he has refused to sign lease agreements and now owes nearly a quarter of a million dollars in lease fees.
The allegations go even deeper. Mr. Myrie accuses the former mayor of encouraging others to skirt the law.
In the report Councillor Williams is accused of disrupting an SCJ Holdings stakeholder meeting on July 17, near McQuinney’s Hardware in Morant Bay.
The meeting was to brief informal land occupants about the legal regularisation process.
According to the report, Councillor Williams entered the meeting with several associates. He proceeded to label SCJ Holdings officials as scammers, questioned the agency’s claim of ownership of the land, and instructed attendees not to sign any document.
He also allegedly suggested that the land would be handed over free of charge under a future PNP government.
SCJ Holdings officials say his statements caused confusion and mistrust among residents and undermined months of community outreach.
They are also concerned that Councillor Williams, an alleged tractor operator, may personally benefit from maintaining the illegal squatting.
In response, SCJ Holdings has urged that a formal legal review be conducted into Councillor Williams’ occupation, with enforcement of lease and property law remedies where applicable.
They’ve similarly requested intervention from the Ministry of Local Government to examine whether Councillor Williams’ actions, as an elected official, are appropriate.
The agency has also called for the matter to be referred to appropriate authorities for further investigation, suggesting that Councillor Williams may have interfered with lawful administrative proceedings or incited non-compliance.
This is not the first time public concern has been raised about Councillor Williams.
Just days ago he was charged with assault and obstruction of justice following an altercation with police. The matter is scheduled to proceed in the St. Thomas Parish Court on August 13.
When contacted to respond to the allegations, Councillor Williams refused to speak with Nationwide News. Our reporter insisted he take the opportunity to respond to the allegations outlined in the report.
And attempts to contact Mr. Williams’ attorney were also unsuccessful.
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