Campbell settles defamation suit as Integrity Commission expands probe of seven lawmakers

People's National Party General Secretary Dr. Dayton Campbell has settled a defamation lawsuit involving Energy Minister Daryl Vaz, St. Thomas Western Member of Parliament James Robertson, and former MP Ofne Lawrence. The agreement was disclosed in the Supreme Court on Thursday.

The case grew out of statements Campbell is reported to have made at a PNP conference in 2023.

A senator has now been added to the list of parliamentarians under review by the Integrity Commission over suspected illicit enrichment or the provision of false information. The commission's annual report, tabled in Parliament on Wednesday, states that six MPs and one senator are being investigated under the Integrity Commission Act.

The commission noted that more lawsuits were brought against it and related state actors during the past financial year. It nevertheless pledged to carry out its work without fear or favour. Chairman Retired Justice Carl Rattray Beswick said in the report that judicial oversight remains an essential safeguard to keep public bodies operating within the law.

At a heads of government meeting in St. Lucia, CARICOM leaders agreed to seek an advisory opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice on the process used to reappoint Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett. The step follows objections raised by Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The regional grouping said Barnett will remain in office while the legal review proceeds.

In sport, Netball Jamaica President Karen Baugh said the Sunshine Girls have a balanced mix of experienced and emerging players after the naming of a 12-member squad, positioning the team to push for gold at the Commonwealth Games.

At midday Thursday, the United States dollar traded at J$159.44, the British pound at J$215.24, and the Canadian dollar at J$113.46.

Thursday's weather outlook is for partly cloudy conditions, with isolated morning showers and thunderstorms across eastern parishes.