Goolsarran, Stabroek News slapped with $20M lawsuit

Commissioner of Information and former Attorney General, Charles Ramson Sr, has filed a $20 million lawsuit against former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran and Guyana Publications Inc (Stabroek News). The writ, which was filed on his behalf by his attorneys, is also seeking costs of the legal process.

According to the writ, which was seen by Guyana Times on Friday, Ramson is seeking these damages from the former Auditor General for libel and for “knowingly and intentionally inducing a breach of contract.”

The writ makes a joint claim against the defendants for “Damages in excess of $10 million for libel contained and published on the 23rd day of January, 2017 in the Stabroek News, a daily newspaper circulating in Guyana and internationally, more specifically in a column entitled ‘Forensic audits, NICIL and the Commissioner of Information’.”

It also claims for “Damages in excess of $10 million for knowingly and intentionally inducing a breach of contract committed by the first names defendant and published by the second named Defendant, with respect to the contract executed between the State of Guyana and the Plaintiff as Commissioner of Information, whereby the Plaintiff has suffered loss and damage.”

Ramson Sr, through his attorneys Ashton and Pauline Chase, is also seeking “an injunction restraining the defendant from re-publishing any or similar libel and/or inducing a breach of the aforesaid contract, any other order as may be just and costs.”

The writ is dated January 26 and gives the defendants 10 days after service of the writ to make an appearance, failing which judgment would be granted in their absence. According to the writ, such an appearance has to be made at the Supreme Court.

In the feature article, Goolsarran had noted how important it was for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to engage special prosecutors. Goolsarran had stated their knowledge, skills and reputation could better match those who represent the defence’s side.

He had also called on the Government to strengthen the investigative capacity of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in order to truly fulfil its remit. It is, however, the article’s specific references towards the Commissioner of Information which have incurred the lawsuit.

Ramson Sr is a former Attorney General, having served in that position under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration. He was appointed as Commissioner of Information by former President Donald Ramotar in 2013.

Goolsarran, who has taken on the role of an anti-corruption advocate, using his background in financial matters, is a long-time columnist with Stabroek News.