By Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Wednesday 17th January 2023) – Government Minister Konris Maynard is accusing well-known political commentator Duncan ‘Big Lice’Wattley of crossing the line between harsh and passionate criticism by way of leaping into malicious intent behaviour with “false and defamatory allegations” made.
As revealed in a statement issued by him on Wednesday 17th January 2024, legal action will be taken for what was expressed during Wattley’s live Facebook programme on Thursday 11th January. “There is a clear line between harsh and passionate criticism of my style as a politician, a person and a Minister, which I welcome, versus jumping in the gutter with blatantly false, malicious, repulsive, and scandalous accusations against me both personally and professionally.
Mr Wattley has leapt over that line and into a realm of unsavoury behaviour that reeks of bad faith and malicious intent.” “I will NOT stand for this and intend to pursue this matter against Mr. Wattley to the full extent of the law, he added According to Maynard: “Mr.
Wattley ought to be ashamed to tarnish my good name and character loosely and recklessly as he has done. I take these false and defamatory allegations seriously and do not intend to ignore them or be scandalized by Mr. Wattley and his outrageous attacks!
I have instructed my lawyer to take the appropriate action, seeking an immediate retraction and apology by Mr. Wattley to be aired in a similar manner to the falsehoods he has told about me within 48 hours of receipt of correspondence from my lawyer.
I will NOT allow Mr. Wattley’s reckless disregard for my reputation or integrity to stand.” Additionally, he pointed out that that Facebook live garnered over 9,000 views and 25 shares to other Facebook pages with over 7,000 views “on a particular YouTube Channel and countless more republications on media and electronic platforms with worldwide reach.” Maynard opined that: “Having listened to the speech, it is clear that Mr.
Wattley deliberately set out to use his platform and his position in the Government to launch vicious and unfounded attacks against me with the intention to cause serious harm to my character and my reputation, both personally and professionally, under the guise of “being informed”.” He added: “I want to categorically deny these serious and fabricated accusations – LOCAL NEWS –
made by Mr. Wattley against me, whether couched as “questions”, comments, or statements. It is unfortunate that Mr. Wattley believes that he could take such reckless liberties with the character and reputation of others because he has not gotten his way.
This act by Mr. Wattley will not go unanswered or excused as political commentary or under the false premise of “Country Above Self” or unfettered freedom of speech. Let me be very clear: ALL the allegations made against me by Mr.
Wattley, no matter how loudly he shouts them, are blatant lies!” Among the listing of five areas outlined for “public record”, Maynard highlighted: “As a Minister of Government, and in particular as Minister with responsibility for SKELEC, I have never used my position to engage in any illegal, corrupt, or fraudulent practices for personal enrichment of any kind.” Front Page Image: Government Minister Konris Maynard 3
