PRIME MINISTER BROWNE DEMANDS PUBLIC RETRACTION AND APOLOGY FROM ASOT MICHAEL

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has given an ultimatum to Asot Michael to issue a public retraction and apology for defamatory statements against him, or face a defamation suit.
Attorney representing Prime Minister Browne, Dr David Dorsett wrote to Mr Michael on Wednesday, telling him that in addition to the retraction and apology, he will be required to pay substantial compensation for injury to his reputation, as well as the prime minister’s legal costs.
Dr Dorsett says he has been instructed to initiate a defamation claim against him if he fails to respond satisfactorily by Friday, January 6 at 4pm.
The letter is in accordance with the pre-action protocol for defamation.
The ultimatum from the prime minister follows statements from Mr Michael on New Year’s Day which were carried on some social media platforms. Michael is running as an independent candidate in St Peter, after being barred from the ABLP’s slate.
Dr Dorsett says: “in all of his years as a member of parliament, our client has not been associated with misappropriation of monies being paid by the treasury, or dishonourable conduct in his personal finances. Your allegations are nothing but a big lie and falsity at the extreme.”
Dr Dorsett also says the Prime Minister Browne is of the view Michael is well aware the statements are false, but were intended to seek a political advantage and undermine the prime minister’s electoral prospects.