KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government of Jamaica has responded to today’s rejection of an application by telecoms provider Symbiote Investments Limited, which sought to block the Government from revoking the domestic mobile spectrum licence that was issued to the company last September.

Responding to the ruling by the Supreme Court in a short press release, the Office of the Prime Minister said:  “The Government of Jamaica is guided by the law, as set out by the Court in the case involving Symbiote Investments Limited versus the Spectrum Management Authority, the Office of Utilities Regulation and the Minister of Science, Energy and Technology.

“The Government has and will continue to be fair to all parties and will proceed in accordance with the Telecommunications Act.”

Cabinet had approved the issuance of the licence to the mobile phone company, which trades as Caricel, against the advice of Contractor General Dirk Harrison who, in a report to Parliament, cited his reasons for the recommendation as “adverse traces” found in relation to one of the directors of the company.

Harrison highlighted concerns raised in intelligence reports that were obtained from the police in the course of his investigations.

Another development in the matter is the revocation of US visas from attorneys Patrick Bailey and Minette Lawrence, who represent the company, as well as her husband Lowell Lawrence, who is a director of the company, by the United States Government.

A spokesperson for the US embassy here had raised concerns on social media and local radio, about the issuance of the licence.