More lawsuits aimed at Phillips

The deadline given by Chukwuemeka Cameron, attorney representing Juliet Holness, for People's National Party campaign director Peter Phillips to make a full and unequivocal public retraction and apology for alleged libellous comments about her has expired.

Yesterday, Mrs Holness, who is the wife of the opposition leader, accused Phillips of libelling her and is demanding compensation.

She is also demanding an undertaking from Phillips that he will not repeat the comments.

In a letter sent to Phillips yesterday, Holness said Phillips raised questions about the source of the money used to fund the construction of the mansion she and her husband built in Beverly Hills, St Andrew.

HIGHEST INTEGRITY

Cameron said that the allegations made by Phillips are untrue and constitute a grave libel.

He pointed out that Mrs Holness, who is a known real estate developer, is a person of the highest integrity and is fit to run for public office.

He also said that she has never participated in or been associated with any criminal activity.

The attorney said Phillips' utterances amount to a very serious libel on his clients and have caused them considerable distress, embarrassment, and fear for their personal safety.

Additionally, Cameron said that Holness has been stymied in her efforts to raise campaign financing.

Mr Holness has also demanded an apology from Phillips, threatening legal action if he fails to do so.

Meanwhile, the attorney said that there is no truth to claims that Holness' brother, Stephen Landell, had been convicted or charged with a criminal offence in the United States or Jamaica.

He further said that no one by the name Andrew Landells is connected to Holness' St Lucian company, Admat.

The attorney said that in addition to a public apology and a retraction, Phillips is being asked to make compensation for the injury to his client's reputation and feelings.