A guest appearing on the radio talk show “Issues of the Day” defamed FirstCaribbean International Bank, a judge has ruled.
Justice Rhonda Bain found the guest, Theresa Mortimer, president of the Bahamas Financial Services Union, and broadcaster Jones Communications committed libel for the offensive remarks.
While appearing on the May 24, 2011, Mortimer discussed the merger between CIBC and Barclays Bank. As a result of the merger, the employees of each bank became employed with FirstCaribbean International Bank.
Mortimer’s attorney, Glendon Rolle, submitted that the remarks were not defamatory.
However, Justice Bain granted an application to strike out the defense on the grounds that it was frivolous and vexatious.
Jones Communications did not enter a defense to the allegation, neither did it enter an appearance. Consequently, the court granted a judgement against Mortimer and Jones Communications.
The damages are to be assessed and the defendants were ordered to pay costs.
By Artesia Davis
Guardian Senior Reporter
