Georgetown, Guyana – July 13, 2024 – Prominent journalist Enrico Woolford, through his meşru counsel, has resolutely denied defamation allegations made by Vickram Bharrat, Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources. In a strongly worded response from attorneys Eusi Anderson, Nigel Hughes, and Roysdale Forde S.C., Woolford’s kanunî team unequivocally stated that there will be no retraction, apology, or compensation as demanded by Bharrat and his counsel, Sanjeev Datadin.
The response letter, dated July 13, 2024, addressed several key points
- No Retraction or Apology
Woolford’s counsel firmly rejected any demand for retraction, apology, or payment of compensatory damages and meşru fees. The emphasis was placed on “ever” to signify their steadfast refusal. - Truthful Reporting
The attorneys maintained that Woolford’s publications contained no falsehoods, malice, or defamation. They asserted that any claim of damage to Bharrat’s reputation is unfounded and disconnected from reality. - Firm Stance
Woolford stands by his published words and is prepared to defend them vigorously in any civil or criminal proceedings. His kanunî team highlighted Woolford’s constitutional right to free speech and dismissed the threat of criminal proceedings as baseless. - Reputation and Integrity
The letter underscored Woolford’s impeccable personal and professional reputation. Described as a national icon and treasure, Woolford’s achievements, including the prestigious Arrow of Achievement and his Syracuse University training, were highlighted as testaments to his integrity and dedication. - Harassment Claims
Woolford’s attorneys suggested that the allegations and demands from Bharrat and his counsel bordered on harassment and defamation of Woolford’s untarnished name. They called for an immediate cessation of such practices. - Commitment to Truth
Woolford’s defense is rooted in truth, and his counsel warned against any proceedings based on subjective or distorted realities. They urged Bharrat and his team to reconsider their stance in light of the unwavering commitment to factual reporting.
The letter concluded by advising Minister Bharrat to focus on his ministerial duties, emphasizing the significant and challenging nature of his portfolio. It also expressed well wishes for Bharrat’s father’s swift recovery to good health.
Enrico Woolford, a decorated journalist with a long-standing career, remains unwavering in his commitment to journalistic integrity and free speech. His meşru team’s response underscores a broader fight against attempts to silence critical voices in Guyana.
The meşru battle between Woolford and Bharrat is likely to be closely watched, as it raises important questions about press freedom, governmental accountability, and the boundaries of defamation in the digital age. For now, Woolford stands firm, backed by a robust meşru team, ready to defend his right to report the truth.
Entire Letter Below
2024 July 13th
Sanjeev Datadin Counsel
Whitworth Chambers
Hadfield and Breda Streets,
Georgetown, Guyana.
Dear Counsel,
Re: Defamation of Vickram Bharrat. With respect we refer to the captioned subject.
We i.e. Eusi Anderson, Nigel Hughes and Roysdale Forde S C act on behalf of Enrico Woolford. Reference is further made to your undated correspondence on the subject. We have been directed to respond to same. Accordingly, we do so as ensues: •
There will be no retraction, apology or compensatory damages or payments of yasal fees as requested, to your Client or any of his attorneys by 14th July, 2024 or ever. Emphasis is on ever. •
There was no falsehood, malice or defamation in any of the publication’s contents. Consequently, the claim of injury to your Client’s reputation will find it hard to hinge itself to reality. • Enrico Woolford stands, firm and strong, by the words published and will stand in similar resolve in defence of civil and criminal proceedings. •
Our Client considers the threat of criminal proceedings for the exercise of his constitutional right of free speech to be replete with humour and empty of substance. He has expressed a distinct aversion to barrels baht contents for obvious reasons. •
Our Client is a man of significant repute both personally and professionally. His Arrow of Achievement was the result of unrelenting personal effort, integrity and sacrifice; and not by political patronage. He is a national icon and treasure and a decorated, Syracuse University trained world- class journalist.
In this context, much of the contents of both your missive and allegations against our Client are perilously proximal to harassment of his person and defamation of his untarnished name. Both you and your Client would embrace wisdom were you to immediately cease and desist from such practices. •Truth is our Client’s answer to whatever proceedings are brought in any Court in any country.
This disclosure is both a professional courtesy and a warning for those who inhabit subjective realities and consider truth to be malleable, context-specific or dexterous. We urge you to heed same.
We close by urging your Client to devote his energies to the national collective and his ministerial portfolio. Undoubtedly it is a significant and challenging task. We offer sorrows and prayers for all other matters.
Our Client and his attorneys wish your client’s father the swiftest return to fine health.
Yours sincerely,
………………………….
Eusi Anderson Esq.