Give me the fruits of my judgement – PM Gonsalves

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves says that he has no interest in closing down NICE Radio.{{more}}

Gonsalves’ lawyers have applied to the court to appoint a receiver to collect EC$250,000 and interest from a defamation judgement.

Gonsalves told a press conference in Kingstown yesterday that he has been patient during the court process after the 2002 defamation.

“… I am not talking here as the prime minister, I am talking as Ralph Gonsalves because I was defamed in my personal capacity by NICE Radio and Elwardo Lynch and judgement was given in my favour,” Gonsalves said.

The prime minister successfully sued the radio station because of statements Elwardo “E.G.” Lynch, host of the New Democratic Party’s “New Times” programme, made about financing for members of his family on a trip to Rome.

“I haven’t gotten the fruits of my judgement yet,” Gonsalves said.

He said his lawyers explained to him that they sought to execute the judgement.

But the execution returned, indicating that there were no goods to be sold to collect the sum awarded in the judgement, the prime minister further said.

“And rather than trying to sell the equipment, one option is to go to court and ask for the appointment of a receiver

“… all would happen if the court grants that order then that individual would be the person to run the station and any money which the station makes will go to satisfy the fruits of my judgement,” Gonsalves explained.

He further said owner of NICE Radio Douglas De Freitas would still have regular programming, except that he would have to pay for it.

“The New Times programme, I am sure if there are arrears that they would pay their arrears and keep current with their payments,” Gonsalves said.

This arrangement would allow for him to get what is owed to him, the prime minister said.

The prime minister also said that he had no hatred toward De Freitas.

“But you defamed me; give me the fruits of my judgement so that I can give it to the charity I promised,” he said.

“If there was an interest in closing the station down, I could have said to lawyers go and seize NICE Radio’s equipment — the transmitters and all they have and put them to auction to be sold but I am not … It is easy for someone propagandistic to go out and say that,” the prime minister said.

“NICE Radio has attacked me from since they were formed,” he added.

All members involved in the legal matter were in court last week over the appointment of a receiver.

Lawyer Kay Bacchus-Browne and Junior Bacchus launched an appeal yesterday in an attempt to raise funds to pay the sum owed to Gonsalves. (DD)