Volume No. 2 Issue No. 12 - Monday September 10, 2007
Sparks Fly
 Reprinted from the Chronicle Newspaper
Prime minister Skeritt
|
A newspaper report published in The Times has sparked massive controversy, prompting the island�s Prime Minister to demand an apology and threaten legal action via his attorney.
The newspaper editor has since stated that he will not apologise unless advised otherwise.
The Opposition Leader has called on the Prime Minister to respond to the questions raised in the newspaper report.
And prominent Attorney-at-Law, Anthony Astaphan has joined the fray, strongly criticising the report and calling for an apology.
The Times, in an article titled �Million Dollar Assets�$5000 Salary�, raised concerns over Skerrit�s acquisition of properties, based on his income as Prime Minister.
No Wrong
�I will say to the Dominican people that I have done no wrong and I categorically deny all these allegations made about me in this article,� Skerrit said.
�The only intent of this article is to smear and besmirch my good name and I will not take it lightly,� he added.
�I have passed this on to my lawyers and I have instructed them to take whatever action they deem appropriate against those who have brought forward this malicious article towards me,� he said.
Acting on behalf of Skerrit is Alick Lawrence Chambers which sent a letter to The Times newspaper stating that the PM required, as a matter of urgency, a �full and unequivocal� public retraction and apology in terms to be approved. The retraction should be coupled with an undertaking not to repeat the allegations.
�We have also advised him that he is entitled to substantial compensation for the injury to his reputation and feelings on the footing of exemplary and aggravated damages as to which we invite your proposals. Our client will also require payment by you of all the legal costs he has incurred in this matter,� the letter stated.
�These charges, made expressly and/or inferentially, amount to a very serious libel of misbehaviour in public office, fraud, dishonesty and corruption against our client have caused him considerable distress and embarrassment. All the allegations made against our client concerning the acquisition of the said lands are false and are emphatically denied,� the letter said.
�There is therefore no question that the article is in fact a thinly veiled journalistic cover from which to make a vicious personal and political attack on him. While our client has no objection to and indeed welcomes fair and balanced comments on matters of public interest he will not allow his reputation to be subjected to malicious distortions and innuendos under the guise of journalistic expression,� the letter stated.
Baseless
But Editor of The Times newspaper, Matt Peltier says that the criticisms being levelled against him and his newspaper are baseless.
Referring to another letter by Lawyer, Anthony Astaphan, Peltier charged that the situation is a reflection of politicians and lawyers using The Times as a scapegoat.
He contended that his newspaper did not intend malice or harm but was simply asking reasonable questions Dominicans are asking and want answers to.
�We will not retract our statement at this point unless advised otherwise,� he declared, adding that the story was �well investigated� and he is not intimidated by comments.
�We have no political ambitions and do not intend to slander anyone; it was nothing political,� Peltier said, adding that the article was merely an investigative piece seeking clarification.
The journalist said that the newspaper�s investigations were based on a statement made by the Prime Minister where he had already stated the facts.
There was no need for further clarification, Peltier said.
Read related articles
Million dollar assets, $5 000 salary
Attorney weighs in on land transfer
|
|
