PM WINS CHALLENGE IN DEFAMATION CASE

Prime Minister, the Hon. Gaston Browne is successful in his appeal challenging a defamation suit brought against him by former parliamentarian, Wilmoth Daniel.
The case stems from words said by the Prime Minister in the Parliament back in January 2018.
A loss of power during the parliamentary session had caused a brief suspension of the proceedings.

Former MP Daniel later filed a defamation suit in the High Court.
At the start of those proceedings the Prime Minister raised a preliminary point that parliamentarians have absolute privilege when speaking in parliament.
This means that no criminal or civil proceedings can be brought against them for words spoken in the building.
However, this point was dismissed by the High Court judge who was of view that this was only applicable if parliament was in session when the words are spoken.

Dorsett says the principle of constitutional supremacy did not apply in this case since the defamation act was not in conflict with the constitution.