Lambert Marks sues Kaieteur News and Prime News
Stabroek News
March 27, 2004
Commissioner of Customs and Trade Administration, Lambert Marks is suing the National Media Publishing Ltd, its Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, Adam Harris and Glen Lall respectively for in excess of $1M for alleged libel.
In his statement of claim in support of the action, Marks alleges that the defamatory statements were carried on page 14 of the February 17, 2004 edition of Kaieteur News, which is published by the first named defendant.
According to the allegations, the libellous remarks - printed under the heading "Customs Investigation report with President Jagdeo" - were calculated to disparage the professional reputation of the plaintiff; has seriously injured his character, credit and reputation as a public officer by bringing same into "...public scandal, odium and contempt" and has caused Marks "considerable stress and embarrassment".
Marks is separately suing Prime News Inc. and its Director and Editor-in-Chief, Adam Harris for damages in excess of $1M on allegations of libel.
Marks, in his endorsement of claim, alleges that the libellous remarks were published by Harris on February 11 and 12, during the broadcast of Prime News.
Marks claims that the statements had inferred that the plaintiff "had committed unlawful acts and/or had misbehaved in his office as Commissioner of Customs and Trade Administration of Guyana."
Further, that the words were calculated to injure and disparage the professional reputation of the plaintiff; has resulted in the plaintiff suffering "considerable stress and embarrassment" and "seriously injured his character, credit and reputation as a public officer" thus causing same to be brought into "...public scandal, odium and contempt."
In both cases in addition to the monies mentioned, Marks is seeking to obtain an injunction restraining the defendants, their servants and/or agents from further publishing and circulating the libel or any similar libel; interest; costs and such further or other order as the court may deem just.