Defence Minister, Led By Former AG, To Sue Opposition MP Marvin Gonzales For Defamation

Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge is threatening legal action against Opposition Member of Parliament Marvin Gonzales over comments made at a political meeting last week. In a legal letter dated Monday, June 8th, attorneys for Minister Sturge say they have been instructed to initiate defamation proceedings against Mr Gonzales over remarks made at a PNM Public Meeting in San Juan on June 3rd. According to the letter, MP Gonzales allegedly told supporters, ‘It is time to call for the removal of Wayne Sturge, who came into power by being funded by drug traffickers and drug dealers. The security of Trinidad and Tobago cannot reside in the hands of these disgraceful people.” The legal team, Freedom Law Chambers, led by former Attorney General Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, said the claim was broadcast live on the People’s National Movement’s Facebook page to a wide audience and has caused “serious harm” to Minister Sturge’s reputation. The attorneys argue that the remarks mean that Minister Sturge “obtained political office through financial support from drug traffickers” and is “corrupt and unfit to hold public office”. They rejected the claims outright, stating: “The allegations are entirely false. Our client has never obtained public office through funding from drug traffickers or drug dealers.” Freedom Law Chambers insisted that Minister Sturge has “never participated in, facilitated, benefited from or been connected with any criminal enterprise.” The letter adds: “No evidence exists capable of supporting the allegations” and describes the statements as “false, reckless and wholly unjustified.” Minister Sturge’s attorneys say the allegations have caused “serious harm” to his reputation, exposing him to “public ridicule, suspicion, hatred and contempt”. They are demanding that MP Gonzales withdraw the allegations, issue “a full and unequivocal apology”, and provide proposals for damages within 14 days. If those demands are not met, the legal team warns that court proceedings will be filed seeking damages, an injunction, and other relief.