Jolyan Silvera sentenced to 20 years and 10 months in prison, Melissa Silvera’s relatives satisfied with time given

Relatives of Melissa Silvera say that while they expected it to be longer, they are satisfied with the over 20-year sentence handed down to former Member of Parliament (MP) Jolyan Silvera.

Mr. Silvera was sentenced in the Supreme Court today by Chief Justice Bryan Sykes.

The former MP had pleaded guilty to manslaughter in relation to the 2023 death of his wife, Melissa, at their St. Andrew home. The other charge is using a firearm to commit a felony.

It was reported that on the night of November 10, 2023, Mr. Silvera and his wife had an argument, which got physical.

Justice Sykes sentenced Mr. Silvera to 20 years on count 1, and 20 years and 10 months on count 2.

Reacting to the sentence, Melissa’s cousin, Walter Davis, told reporters that they were hoping that the former politician would get 25 years behind bars.

He said the family is now focused on ensuring that Melissa’s children are monitored and raised with a good quality of life.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Silvera’s relatives expressed surprise at the announcement that her husband could be eligible for parole.

Mr. Silvera will have to serve at least 13 years in prison before being eligible.

Chief Justice Sykes noted that parole is meant to encourage good behaviour as part of the offender rehabilitation process.

He said consideration was given to making the parole period sufficiently wide to incentivise good behaviour.

Melissa’s cousin, Davis, said that while he understands the justice system allows for parole, his family would have preferred that Mr. Silvera not receive any.

In the meantime, Chief Justice Sykes has opined that it would appear wrong if the sentence for a homicide using a gun is less than that for a non-fatal firearm matter.

He was outlining his reasons for Mr. Silvera’s sentencing.

Sykes noted that Jamaica’s laws give a range of 3 to 15 years’ sentence for an offence committed with a firearm.

He noted that in the Silvera case, which involves a death, 15 years would not suffice.