P.M. defends alleged libel but what?s with the Times?

Prime Minister Said Musa today stood by his party’s newspaper in its defence of a libel suit by civic activist Lois Young. According to the P.M., himself an attorney, the law is on the P.U.P.’s side.

Prime Minister Said Musa
?I believe the papers should have been filed today, but I?m not certain. Definitely I am made to understand that we will go ahead with that.?

Janelle Chanona, Reporting
?Are you confident that your justification argument will hold up against that??

Said Musa
?I am confident that the decision will be set aside on the ground that it was a wrong decision in the circumstances. Based on the two grounds that I mentioned, namely that it can be shown that this particular individual is a public figure and a public figure is confined to just politicians and secondly, the defence of justifications militates against giving a preliminary injunction.?

Reporter
?If you don?t get that judgment what happens in terms of the Belize Times publishing articles??

Said Musa
?Well of course, if we do not get, if we are not successful in the courts we will abide by the decision of the court. And we will continue to abide by the decision pending a reversal.?

Janelle Chanona
?Interesting you bring up the word abide. I notice a very interesting back page in The Belize Times today, a very interesting picture, can you tell us…?

Said Musa
?I haven?t seen the Belize Times…?

Janelle Chanona
?I brought one, just in case you said that. Some people might think it?s being coy, regarding the C.J.?s order.?

Said Musa
?Well, it?s Halloween isn?t it??

Janelle Chanona
?Okay, thank you very much.?

The advertisement in question features a photo of Margaret Hamilton in her role as the Wicked Witch of the West in the 1939 classic film, “The Wizard of Oz.” This is the first time in memory that the Belize Times has ever wished anyone a Happy Halloween.