A judge has ordered a weekly newspaper to pay $200,000 in damages to the Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Ltd (Plipdeco) and four of its (2005) directors for libel. Justice Nolan Bereaux ruled that an article published in the Blast newspaper about the claimants was libellous. It was carried in its October 22 to 28, 2005, publication. He awarded $100,000 to Plipdeco and $50,000 each to Kayam Mohammed, David Lewis, Raffique Shah and Etienne Mendez.
The judge said the four, along with another claimant, Lloyd Walters, were all distinguished citizens engaged in public service and "they are entitled to have their reputations vindicated by this court with an appropriate award." However, in the 50-page judgment, the judge did not mention an award of damages for Walters. The judge said he also took into account the irresponsible and cavalier approach taken by the defendants.
The action was initially brought by nine directors and Plipdeco against Blast Publications Company Ltd and editor Fazeela Rampersad.
However, four of the claimants failed to give any witness statements, neither did they attend any of the court hearings. Their claims were dismissed. Attorney Prakash Deonarine, instructed by Richard Arjoon Jagai, represented the claimants while attorney Ramesh Maharaj SC, instructed by Vijaya Maharaj, represented the defendants.
