In a significant legal ruling, High Court Judge Justice Nadia Kangaloo has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by former West Indies cricketer and ex-president of the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA), Dinanath Ramnarine, against Manohar Ramsaran, a former Sport Minister under the UNC administration. The case, initiated in December 2019, stemmed from a series of published articles that criticized Ramnarine’s leadership at the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), his role in the decline of West Indies cricket, and his suitability for administrative roles in sports. Ramnarine sought exemplary and aggravated damages for reputational harm. Ramsaran, however, defended his statements, asserting they were made during official TTCB board meetings, where media coverage was authorized by the board secretary. He argued that his comments were necessary and truthful, addressing governance and leadership issues. Justice Kangaloo ruled in Ramsaran’s favor, stating the statements were evaluative opinions rather than defamatory facts. The judge emphasized that public figures must endure scrutiny and criticism, and found no evidence of malice or recklessness in Ramsaran’s remarks. Consequently, Ramnarine’s claim was dismissed, and he was ordered to cover Ramsaran’s legal costs, to be determined later. Ramsaran was represented by Navindra Ramnanan, while Ramnarine’s legal team was led by Kiel Taklalsingh.
Ex-cricketer Ramnarine’s claim thrown out against ex-Sport Minister
