Minister of Education Shaik Baksh filed an interim injunction against Adam Harris editor of Kaieteur News on Friday
- Details
- Published on Saturday, 30 July 2011 00:41
- Written by Super User
Minister Baksh is suing for damages in excess of 10 million dollars for libel contained in an article captioned “Minister Baksh Lied: Education Ministry approved $223 million dollar computer contract”
Minister of Education Shaik Baksh filed an injunction against Adam Harris and Kaieteur News by way of an affidavit in the high court after an article was published stating that he is lying about a technology company contracted to install computers at several schools.
The Education Minister, even after reiterating that his Ministry does not award contracts, said the news paper did not refrain from publishing inaccurate information about the circumstances surrounding the awarding of a contract to digital technology.
Digital technology was awarded a $223 million dollar contract by the national procurement and tender administration board which was approved by cabinet to supply 70 schools with 144 desktop computers. The news paper reported that it is clear that the ministry of education was the deciding entity in the awarding.
Kaieteur news even stated that a Government Minister is the suspected financier of Digital Technology and the Education Minister challenged the news paper to reveal the name of that official with supporting evidence.
In a statement issued by Digital Technology’s Chief Executive, Krishendat ‘Terrence’ Sukhu, he said he was amused and unfazed by the accusations and believes Kaieteur news was publishing half-truths with conspiracy theories aimed to smear the company’s image.
Minister Baksh Emphaised that the tendering process is transparent and they cannot influence the procedures. The affidavit was drawn by attorney at law Robert Ramcharran and is before chief justice Ian Chang.
