Political Speech Trumps Professional Reputation?

(Kaieteur News) – Political debate must be robust. But when senior government officials make damaging allegations against their critics, freedom of expression must be considered alongside professional reputation and the unequal power of those involved. Two recent High Court decisions bring that balance into sharp focus.

Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran and former Environmental Protection Agency head Dr. Vincent Adams challenged statements the courts found defamatory. Both claims nevertheless failed. One succeeded on the defence of truth; the other on qualified privilege. The legal routes differed, but two men approaching the end of substantial professional careers were left without redress.

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I declare an interest. With Khemraj Ramjattan, I represented Mr. Goolsarran in his claim against Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. An appeal has been filed.