Senior Reporter
derek.achong@guardian.co.tt
Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) President General Ancel Roget has made good on his threat to sue former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley for defamation.
Although Roget’s lawyers, led by Kiel Taklalsingh filed the case in July, it was only announced by Roget in a press release issued by the OWTU yesterday.
In the release, the OWTU said Roget took the decision after Rowley failed to accede to his lawyer’s request to retract his statement.
“Since Dr Rowley has failed to retract his statement as requested in a pre-action protocol letter dated August 29, 2022, this lawsuit seeks to vindicate Comrade Roget’s reputation, obtain a full retraction and apology, and pursue appropriate damages for the harm caused,” it said.
In the post on his Facebook page on August 29, 2022, Rowley allegedly accused Roget and others of leading an action to block two lanes of a highway.
“This post falsely attributed criminal behaviour and irresponsible leadership to Comrade Roget and attempted to associate him with unlawful conduct and political subversion,” the release said.
“Comrade Roget has taken strong exception to the implication that he, in his capacity as a Trade Union leader, orchestrated or endorsed acts of illegality or sabotage that endangered public order and national security,” it added.
It claimed that the damage caused by Rowley’s comments was exacerbated because of his position as prime minister.
“Statements of this nature from someone in such a powerful position not only amplify misinformation but also incite public distrust and hostility toward those who advocate on behalf of workers’ rights and democratic freedoms,” it added.
Roget is also being represented by Joahanna Richards of Sovereign Chambers.
When contacted for a comment, Rowley said, “He is on the political platform with his complaint and I have remained under the advice of my lawyers.”
