BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, March 26 2015 – Former St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas is threatening legal action against at least two people for comments they made in social media.
Lawyers for Dr. Douglas have written to the individuals demanding from each an apology, retraction, $300,000 in damages and over $30,000 in legal expenses.
The letter accuses Mr. Jermaine Lake, the brother-in-law of Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris, of making a, “scandalous, totally false and defamatory” Facebook Post. The letter describes Mr. Lake as a “public and outspoken supporter of the current Administration” and references his relationship to the Prime Minister.
The post on March 11, relates to comments pertaining to reports that the former Prime Minister had received a visit from US officials in January who revoked his US visa.
“It is clear that you are not concerned with the true position. You acted with clear and transparently dishonest intention or with extreme recklessness in order to cause maximum damage to the former Prime Minister with the outrageous allegation,” the letter from Dr. Douglas’ lawyers reads.
Meantime Rivi Warner-Lake, the daughter of prominent People’s Action Movement politician Dr. Charles Warner, is also facing a threat of legal action over Facebook posts.
In a similarly worded letter, Dr. Douglas’ legal counsel makes reference to a series of posts on Facebook on March 18, which in addition to comments about his character, accuses the former Prime Minister of criminal acts and abuse of his office.
The letter says that Dr. Douglas takes serious issue with the allegations and in particular attempts to “scandalise his name, reputation and legacy.”
Both letters state that while the former Prime Minister welcomes political debate, it is apparent that the recipients are “solely motivated to damage Dr. Douglas’ good name for partisan political purposes.”
Dated March 19, the letters give Ms Warner-Lake and Mr. Lake (no relation) 48 hours to respond and in the absence of a “speedy and constructive response,” it says Dr. Douglas will have no choice but to begin proceedings for defamation. (WINN FM)
