Bishop Juan Edghill, the Minister of Public Works, has won a $15 million defamation lawsuit against Anthony Vieira after he published, aired, and broadcast a series of disparaging remarks during a commentary on CBS Channel 6 on May 4, 2011.
On March 14, 2024, Justice Gino Persaud delivered the verdict in the trial.
According to a statement released by Minister Edghill on Friday, the Judge ruled: ” Anthony Vieira is liable in defamation for the libel he published on the 4th of May 2011, concerning the Honourable Bishop Juan Anthony Edghill.”
“That Mr. Anthony Vieira compensates the Honourable Bishop Juan Anthony Edghill fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000) in compensatory damages.”
“That Chandra Narine Sharma, trading under the name and style of C.N.S. Channel 6, which is also liable for airing the libelous commentary, compensate the Honourable Bishop Juan Anthony Edghill for $250,000. The apology and retraction were published, broadcast, and repeated, and the commentary was taken off the air after being aired only once, and thus constitute nominal damages.”
“That Anthony Vieira and Chandra Narine Sharma pay the Honourable Bishop Juan Anthony Edghill two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) each.”
We grant a permanent injunction restraining the Defendants from repeating or republishing the libel against the Plaintiff or similar libel.”
In his statement, Minister Edghill explained that although the matter took a long time to be resolved, he feels validated by the court’s decision and is satisfied. Additionally, he stated that he intends to ensure that the aforementioned court orders are enforced in every way possible.
In a statement, the Public Works Minister said, “Despite the lengthy course of the case, I am satisfied and vindicated with the court’s decision and intend to ensure that all steps are taken to enforce the terms of the court order.”
In May 2011, Minister Edghill filed a lawsuit against Anthony Vieira and Chandra Narine Sharma under the name and style of CNS Channel 6 in response to the defamation that severely damaged his reputation and caused him great distress, embarrassment, humiliation, and ridicule.
Manoj Narayan and Chandanie Dyal of Mohabir A. Nandlall & Associates and Bhagwati Chambers initiated and prosecuted the High Court action on behalf of the minister.