For failing to file his defence on time in a libel action brought against him, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has been ordered to pay former Minister within the Ministry of Communities Annette Ferguson, the sum of $20,000,000.
The judgment which was granted ‘in default of defence’ was handed down by Justice Sandra Kurtzious on March 11th, after Jagdeo failed to file his defence within the time specified in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR).
Following the Order, Jagdeo’s attorney Anil Nandlall issued a statement yesterday citing “exceptional” circumstances behind the non-filing of the defence and said that the Vice-President has every intention of defending the proceedings and an application will be made to set aside the judgment.