Minister sues CNC 3’s Morning Brew host

In the letter issued to Ramkissoon, attorney Annabelle Sooklal who appears with attorney Devesh Maharaj for Smith, said that on July 20, on her morning programme Ramkissoon caused to be broadcast, comments by Wilson which included assertions and implications that the minister had a foundation which received a substantial donation from a contractor who in turn received a contract from the Sport Company (SporTT).

“Video of that interview is now available for worldwide consumption on YouTube, Facebook and other social media and on your company’s website,” Sooklal said.

“The true meaning and clear implication of those public comments is that my client has been engaged in some corrupt dealing or otherwise unethical or immoral conduct. The comments and implications are false, malicious and highly defamatory of my client,” the attorney wrote. She said the broadcast of Wilson’s comments caused Smith and his family great distress and has brought him into public odium and contempt. Ramkissoon was given until 10 am yesterday to delete the video clip of the interview with Wilson. In her letter to PNM activist Wilson, the attorney set out several of his comments made on his (Wilson) Facebook page relating to Smith.

She also spoke of the interview he gave on Ramkissoon’s The Morning Brew programme. Sooklal said Wilson’s assertions implied that Smith was engaged in corruption and were false and malicious.

“I have advised my client that your repeated public comments amount to a malicious public campaign against him such that he would be entitled to substantial damages against you in an action of defamation,” Sooklal wrote.

Wilson was also given until 10 am yesterday to delete any posts relating to Smith on his Facebook page. Checks yesterday revealed that CNC3 appeared to have removed video footage of the morning show from its website. However, posts relating to Smith on Wilson’s Facebook page, including those quoted by Sooklal, were still up.