Belize Times says Lois is a public figure

The Belize Times has released a statement in response to the issuance of an injunction in the libel case brought by Lois Young. After establishing its credentials as the nation’s longest running newspaper, and the P.U.P. as the political organisation most committed to freedom of the press, the statement gets to the heart of the Times’ defence strategy. That is: by her numerous statements in the media and board position with the Association of Concerned Belizeans, Young has attained the status of a public figure. Under the law public figures suing for libel must meet a higher standard of proof of their claim than ordinary citizens. According to the Times, Young’s continued attacks on the government make her a fair target for their invective and they plan to apply to have the interim injunction, granted yesterday by Chief Justice Abdulai Conteh, set aside. That injunction bars the Times from publishing anything further about Young with regard to the alleged libel until the substantive case is concluded.