People’s National Movement (PNM) San Fernando West candidate Faris Al-Rawi and St Ann’s North candidate Stuart Young, have warned that legal action will be taken against anyone who defames political leader Dr Keith Rowley or any PNM member.
The duo, who are also Rowley’s lawyers, made the statement during a press conference yesterday as they announced that Rowley would initiate legal action against the Newsday newspaper and former Legal Affairs Minister under the PNM, Peter Taylor, following an article published in the newspaper last week.
The press conference took place at Balisier House in Port-of-Spain.
The newspaper article to which Al-Rawi referred alleged, through a letter written by Taylor, that Rowley had used the state’s intelligence resources to spy on Taylor.
It resulted in a subsequent article, in which Housing Minister Roodal Moonilal called on Rowley to take legal action against Taylor or resign.
Rowley’s lawyers confirmed that pre-action protocol letters were being drafted and would be issued after the election.
“It is not often that attorneys come to a microphone to address a letter such as this but it is incumbent, with five days before election for us to set the record straight.
“This letter, to put it at its most polite, is incredible, unbelievable,” Al-Rawi said.
“Why someone would be compelled to put to the public domain, that a leader of the Opposition has control of the National Operations Centre and Special Branch to interfere in the relationship between Mr Taylor and his girlfriend is just incredible.”
Al-Rawi said it was the position of the PNM that Dr Rowley’s telephone records demonstrated that not a single phone call was made to him by the Newsday seeking comment on Taylor’s claims.
“We condemn this type of publication particularly when this type of letter leads one down to an inexorable conclusion that it could not have been written by anyone with serious intention to tell a truthful story.
“Allegations are completely denied. We wish to state that the reason we have not yet issued the pre-action protocol, which will not be only to Taylor but specifically to the Newsday, is that this type of letter is often best left to be done in the luxury of time and with five days before elections, one does not engage precious time to deal with matters like this,” Al-Rawi said.
“The letter is being crafted as we speak and will go out in due course.”
“Pre-action protocols demand that we exercise caution and address the matter with alacrity but we must do so while being thorough,” said Al-Rawi.
Al-Rawi also questioned why Moonilal was keen to comment on the issue.
“If Moonilal has the proof. as he says he does. He must take it to the police. Character assassination will not be tolerated.
“We will pursue with vigour. We will not be distracted or lose sight. We have been informed there are further attacks to come,” Al-Rawi said.
“It is our view that this is a continuation of the No Rowley campaign.
“It is a wicked and mischievous publication and one that a serious editor should have looked at twice. We certainly think it is well within the public’s domain to know Rowley is reachable at all times.
“I am always available as PRO and his lawyer.”
Young said the article must have failed the Reynold’s test for proper journalism.
The Reynold’s test provides a checklist for responsible journalism.
He said there was no doubt in his mind that the statements were defamatory.
“We will pursue legal action against anybody who defames the political leader and any member of the United National Congress,” Young said.