By Ravin Singh

MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon is seeking $13M compensation and an apology from Kaieteur News for alleged defamatory statements published in 13 articles, which appeared in the daily newspaper between March and May of 2016.Speaking to the media on Thursday, following the adjournment of the National Assembly, the Minister revealed that a letter was sent to Kaieteur News by his lawyer Roysdale Forde. He disclosed

that he is seeking “damages for libel,” which includes an apology, retraction of 13 articles and $1M compensation for each article. The money he said, if successful in his case against the newspaper, will be directed to the Veterans’ Foundation.

Questioned on whether he feels the case will be successful, the Minister related that he is not “dealing with feelings”, but is dealing with facts. His lawyer, Forde, when contacted, confirmed that the letter was indeed sent to the media house, which was asked to issue the apology, retractions and $1M for each of the 13 articles published.

The articles are suspected to be those related to the Minister’s trip to China, a few months ago, which sparked criticisms against him.
Forde was keen to note too, that the financial compensation of $13M would not be for the Minister, but the Veteran’s Foundation. He explained further, that if Kaieteur News was not willing to accede to these “reasonable” requests, then the matter would be taken to court to stand trial. Forde went on to suggest that from that point, the court would make an assessment of the damages, which would incur financial compensation, subject to a decision by the court. He remains hopeful however, that the issue would not go to trial and that it would be resolved “amicably and maturely.”

But Editor-in-Chief of Kaieteur News, Adam Harris, when contacted last evening, told the Guyana Chronicle that the media house was not prepared to compensate the Minister financially. However, Harris revealed that an apology and the retractions are likely to be forthcoming. He reasoned that the leadership of the newspaper is “tempted to agree with him [Harmon]” regarding the headlines in the stories published, and this would be the basis for the apology and retractions.