KINGSTOWN – Radio talk show host Eduardo “EG” Lynch has lost a third appeal in a defamation case brought against him by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves.
The Court of Appeal has ruled that Lynch pay Gonsalves damages totaling EC$140 000 (BDS$103 702). In addition, the radio talk show host must pay EC$40 000 (BDS$29 628) in costs as well as interests to be assessed dating back to 2008.
“Now, that is a significant judgment,” said attorney Anthony Astaphan, who represented the Prime Minister.
He said the judgement “has to be, if not the highest, one of the highest award for defamation in the history of the (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States).
“The critical question in that appeal was whether or not Dr Ralph Gonsalves was entitled to significant damages, whether significant damages would fetter freedom of expression or constitute a chilling effect, whether or not they should pay cost and interest to Dr Gonsalves,” Astaphan said.
The case, which was also brought against BDS Ltd, owners of NICE Radio, stemmed from Lynch accusing Prime Minister Gonsalves of using public funds to finance a trip to Rome for members of his family. (CMC)
