Latest update March 18th, 2026 12:30 AM
‘No apology and no money’ …Primus tells Norton in defamation showdown
(Kaieteur News) – Member of Parliament Odessa Primus has retained legal counsel following allegations of defamation linked to a statement concerning former Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton.
Member of Parliament, Odessa Primus
The response, issued by prominent attorney Eusi Anderson Esq., was addressed to Dexter Smartt of Dexter Todd & Associates and sheds light on the MP’s legal stance regarding the matter. In the letter dated March 17, 2026, Anderson highlights that a correspondence from Smartt, dated February 24, 2026, had initially requested a response by February 25, a deadline that was missed. Anderson described the delay as an unfortunate but minor procedural issue, emphasising the necessity of examining the linguistic context of the alleged defamatory statement.
Central to the dispute is a statement reportedly made by Primus on January 30, 2026, which read: “Tell your people who collecting Bharat money?” Anderson stressed that the phrasing was a rhetorical question and should not be interpreted as an accusation. He questioned whether the reference to “Bharat” implied wrongdoing by Norton, clarifying that “Bharat” is the name for India. He also humorously posed whether the MP could face liability from India’s 1.45 billion citizens.
PNCR Leader, Aubrey Norton
The legal letter further asserts that Primus’ comments were aimed at accountability and transparency, rather than defamation. Anderson warned that any misinterpretation of the statement was a result of flawed linguistic analysis. Highlighting the MP’s dedication, Anderson wrote that Primus, a woman of “virtue, vigor, and boundless talent,” remains focused on the people’s business. He underscored that there are only two choices when confronting a remarkable public servant like Primus: support her work or be “mowed down by the juggernaut that is her prowess.” The letter concluded unequivocally that no apology or compensation would be forthcoming from Primus.
Meanwhile, in his letter demanding an apology and $500,000 compensation, Attorney Smartt said that Norton, a long-standing political figure and leader within the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), considers the statements to have caused serious harm to his reputation locally, regionally and internationally. He said the allegations have not only tarnished his public standing but could also negatively impact his future professional prospects, particularly in academia.
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