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Member Parliament for Kingston Central Donovan Williams and Medical Technologies Limited (MediTech) have made good on their threat of legal action for allegations made against them regarding the sale of a $31 million neurosurgical drill to the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA).
The defamation suit was jointly filed in the Supreme Court on Monday against Opposition Spokesman on Health Dr. Alfred Dawes, after he failed to withdraw the allegations and apologise.
The claimants contend that at his May 20 press conference, Dr. Dawes made several defamatory statements which were understood to mean that they were involved in corrupt practices, were involved in selling supplies to the Ministry of Health at a markup of 12,400 per cent, and were involved in theft from Jamaican taxpayers.
They are seeking redress for defamation, including exemplary and aggravated damages, as well as claims for special damages.
Mr. Williams and Medical Technologies are claiming interest at such rate and for such period as the court thinks just on the amounts awarded for special damages.
The claimants have also applied for an injunction, restraining Dr. Dawes whether by himself, his servants or agents, or otherwise from further publishing or causing to be published, the said or similar statements defamatory of them.
Further, the claimants have asked the court to have Dr. Dawes pay their legal fees.
In the argument for damages, the claimants contend that the publication of the statements has caused serious harm to their reputations.
It was claimed that since the press conference, Mr. Williams, who is an attorney, has suffered serious harm from memes depicting him as being corrupt, while representatives and staff of Medical Technologies have suffered considerable distress and embarrassment.
The company says it had to put extra security measures in place for staff due to harassment.
The claimants are being represented by Attorney Georgia Hamilton.
In the wake of the threat of legal action last week, Dr. Dawes doubled down on the allegations, adding that he welcomed any court proceedings as an opportunity to further uncover the truth and demand accountability.
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