Antigua: Opposition leader sues Prime Minister – awarded $28,000

Antiguan opposition leader, former Prime Minister Lester Bird

Antigua Opposition Lester Bird prevailed in his defamation case against Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and Crusader Radio Publications today. He was awarded XCD$75,000 (US$ 28,000).

Justice Jennifer Remy delivered the judgment this morning, ordering the defendants to pay the sum jointly. The judge also awarded prescribed costs to Bird. She set the rate of payment for the damages at 5 percent per annum.

Spencer made the defamatory comments at a political rally in November 2008. They were broadcast live on Crusader Radio.

The court struck down the defences put forward, saying the comments were unproven and unsubstantiated by documentary evidence.

Neither Bird nor Spencer was in court this morning. Leslie-Ann Brissett-George and Vere Bird III, who represented Bird, were present, as well as Sherry-Anne Bradshaw, acting on Spencer’s behalf. – (Antigua Observer)