By Racquel Porter
People's National Party (PNP) General Secretary Dr. Dayton Campbell has been slapped with a defamation lawsuit in connection with comments made against Minister of Transport Daryl Vaz on a political platform last month.
Minister Vaz is seeking damages for defamation and interest pursuant to the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act.
Attorney Catherine Minto filed the claim Friday on behalf of Mr. Vaz, who is named in court documents as the claimant.
According to the document, Dr. Campbell, who is named as the defendant, made the remarks on July 27, while addressing a gathering at the PNP's North Western Clarendon Annual Constituency Conference in Spaulding.
Mr. Vaz's attorney is claiming that her client was defamed through words in their natural and ordinary meaning, and in the context of the defendant's speech, was meant to convey or imply that the claimant had engaged in criminal conduct.
She also said Dr. Campbell's utterances implied that he is lacking in probity, moral integrity and decency.
The lawsuit claims Dr. Campbell's comments have caused serious injury to the minister, his feelings, and his reputation.
It says the minister also suffered considerable embarrassment, anxiety and distress.
Mr. Vaz, through his attorney, is claiming that Dr. Campbell has failed and or refused to immediately tender an apology.
The Transport Minister is seeking general aggravation and exemplary damages on the basis than Dr. Campbell's statements were entirely unnecessary.
His attorney is also seeking an injunction restraining Dr. Campbell from further publishing or causing to be published in spoken word or written form the said or similar words defamatory of the claimant.
The lawsuit was filed hours after former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson pointed out what he terms the "appalling" deterioration in public discourse from some in the political sphere and positions of authority. Mr. Patterson said such utterances cannot be allowed to continue without clear denunciation.
There have been increased calls for the re-establishment of a Political Ombudsman to hold politicians accountable.
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