Former APNU+AFC government minister Jaipaul Sharma yesterday issued an apology to Attorney General Anil Nandlall over allegations he previously made on his Facebook page, which attracted a libel suit this week.
However, Nandlall yesterday said his attorneys would be reviewing the apology for possibly causing more damage.
“I have instructed my lawyers to look at it and to see if he has not committed yet another libel, in what he purports to be an apology,” Nandlall told Stabroek News yesterday.
In new Facebook post yesterday, Sharma explained that he decided to apologise after a meeting with his family. The post said, in part:
“My family called a meeting and the consensus was that I apologise to the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs of Guyana MOHABIR. A. NANDLALL on Facebook and to close my Facebook Account…
“I had to agree with them, since I was outnumbered and since I believe in democracy.
“I therefore issue an apology to the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs of Guyana MOHABIR. A. NANDLALL.
In addition, I will close my Facebook account after 5 day (sic) of this post during which period I will not make any further post about the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs of Guyana MOHABIR. A. NANDLALL, if he discontinue with (sic) his legal action against me”.
Nandlall this week initiated proceedings against Sharma and PNCR member and attorney James Bond for damages in excess of $25 million for each of the alleged libelous statements they are accused of having published on their respective Facebook pages on November 17th; in excess of $25 million each for special damages; and in excess of $25 million each for aggravated damages. He contends that allegations made against him in connection with state land matters are libelous.
Nandlall is also seeking court costs and any other order the court may deem just to grant. The AG says that the publications have the potential to sully his reputation, standing and integrity especially given Facebook’s reach.
