IN a letter dated October 14, 2024, attorney Sanjeev Datadin representing Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Anand Persaud, issued a formal demand for a retraction and apology from journalist Leroy Smith.
This action follows the publication of a news article on Smith’s website, ‘Big Smith News Watch,’ which contained serious allegations against Minister Persaud, claiming he was among a group of persons involved in a plot against high-ranking police officials.

The article in question, titled “Text messages forwarded by minister exposes plot to have SOCU target ‘Top Cop’ and Brutus,” was circulated widely on social media platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp. SOCU is the abbreviation for Special, Organised Crime Unit.
In his letter, Datadin contended that the claims made in the article are “false and malicious,” asserting that Minister Persaud is not involved in any such conspiratorial activities against Assistant Commissioner of Police Calvin Brutus or Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken.

Datadin outlined that Smith operates multiple social media accounts under his name and the ‘Big Smith News Watch’ banner, as well as a website, all platforms where the article was disseminated.

The attorney emphasised that the allegations were not only baseless, but were part of a larger pattern of misinformation aimed at swaying public opinion regarding the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and its senior members.
“Your allegation is utterly false and without merit,” Datadin wrote, noting that Smith made no attempt to seek comments from the minister before publishing the article.

He characterised the journalist’s use of vague language as having clear and damaging intent, suggesting that it was crafted to mislead the public.
The letter further highlighted Minister Persaud’s status as a public official, pointing out the professional and personal repercussions of such false allegations.

According to Datadin, the publication has caused significant harm to Minister Persaud’s reputation and could impede his ability to perform his public duties effectively.

“Your false and malicious assertions have caused my client much professional and personal harm and will continue to cause my client harm in his ability to fulfil his public duties and to engage with persons local and internationally…,” he stated.

In view of the severity of the situation, Datadin demanded that Smith issue a “clear, unqualified and unconditional apology and retraction” by 14:00hrs on October 16, 2024.

He also noted that Minister Persaud is entitled to substantial compensation and legal costs due to the gravity of the allegations. The attorney requested a proposal from Smith regarding damages and costs, along with a draft of the apology.

The attorney’s letter serves as a warning to Smith, stating that failure to respond satisfactorily by the specified deadline would result in legal action against him.
“In the meantime, my client reserves all his rights,” Datadin concluded, indicating that Minister Persaud is prepared to pursue all available legal avenues to address the issue.