Timothy Harris booed by Freedom FM supporters
By: Precious Mills
BASSETERRE, St.Kitts- Team Unity leader Dr. Timothy Harris was booed by Freedom FM supporters when he exited the Basseterre High Court on Friday 4th December following a brief case management meeting pertaining to the lawsuit filed against that radio station by him.
In contrast ‘Let Freedom Reign!’ was the phrase shouted by those Freedom FM supporters who came out in a show of solidarity that morning.
Many wore black FreedomFM T-shirts for the occasion while others chose to wear other black shirts and were gathered outside The Cable building-where Freedom FM is housed- in assembly for the march to the Court.
The procession of supporters led by the radio station’s owner Juni ‘Big JL’ Liburd and other staff members travelled along Cayon Street then onto East Independence Square Street cheering ‘Let Freedom Reign!’.
Supporters, media workers and curious bystanders waited in the Independence Square in anticipation of the outcome.
Attorney for Freedom FM Sylvester Anthony explained that the matter was put off until a third defendant is served.
“Basically, what happened, Mr. Harris’ lawyer indicated that they were yet to serve the third defendant in this matter who is Charles Jong of DisseminateIt. So because he has not been served in either of the matter really the case management was premature. So now the matter had been adjourned to March 3rd to allow service on the third defendant.”
“The Court, in adjourning the matter to March 3rd, did suggest it was the duty of the lawyers to advise their clients and she encouraged to consider mediation before the matter comes back in March.
Anthony revealed that his team has a very solid argument for the case.
“In relation to the case, I believe we have a very solid argument on whatever matters. I think it is very important to point out that in one of the matters in relation to Freedom FM carrying the broadcast, the facts are Freedom did not carry the broadcast and that what the claimant is persisting in a law suit in which we have shown the Freedom did not carry the broadcast does raise question of the motive of the claimant.”
Prime Minister Dr. Denzil L. Douglas and Senator Nigel Carty are the two other defendants in this matter.
Meanwhile Liburd was in high praise of the support from well-wishers as he hailed success for his radio station.
“We affirm success for Freedom 106.5 and it is because of the support of the people here who you see come out to make sure that democracy stays alive in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“Democracy is under threat! Media houses are under threat! Today might be Freedom, tomorrow it could be another radio station. So we want to send a message to the people, we want to send a message to Dr. Timothy Harris and we want to send a message to all those who are taking us to court that this will not happen. The rights of democracy will not be trampled on, because the people say let freedom reign.”
Dr. Harris on the other hand said there was nothing to rejoice about saying the issue is alive and well.
“Basically, today was just a case management day. So on that occasion nothing really in terms of the date of the matter is really heard and it is for the Court to set a time for the hearing of the matter. That is because a third person is to be served. So there is nothing to rejoice about.
“The issue is alive. We have gone to Court for our justice. I am confident that we will get our justice and those who chose to slander and say all things will have their day in Court and will answer to the allegations made,” he added.
Responding to a question posed about claims that Freedom FM was targeted for the suit, Dr. Harris responded saying, “Let’s not get carried away by that kind of foolishness. You can only bring somebody to Court if they are in breach of some law. If someone breaches the law then they have their day to answer in Court. I have gone to court to have my good name restored. I have been slandered and all the parties will have their day of determination in Court.”
