Vere Bird III loses appeal in defamation case against PM

Published
Vere Bird III loses appeal in defamation case against PM
Vere Bird III and PM Gaston Browne

After losing his case in the High Court, Vere Bird III could not gain a favourable ruling at the Eastern Caribbean Court.

On Wednesday, his appeal was dismissed in the defamation case against Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

In April 2023, Justice Nicola Byer ruled that the Prime Minister’s statements that Vere Bird III benefitted from an illegitimate cabinet decision to sell him Crown lands at a rate reserved for parliamentarians, was true, justified, and fair comment. Bird sought to sue the Prime Minister on the grounds of defamation, alleging that he never actually received the lands, and that the cabinet decision was legitimate.

Bird not being satisfied with that outcome went to the Appellate Court, but it was a similar verdict once again.

On all 16 grounds that he appealed the judgement, all 16 were dismissed.

He will have to pay PM Browne a significant amount of money as costs were awarded to him. That number is being assessed.

READ FULL JUDGEMENT BELOW:

Vere Bird III v Gaston Browne Appeal Judgment

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/09/19/vere-bird-iii-loses-appeal-in-defamation-case-against-pm. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Comments (11)

  • Diamond September 19, 2025, 11:14 AM

    It seems like defamation laws don’t really protect reputations anymore. Anyone can say something damaging and hide behind ‘fair comment
    Reply
  • Antigua Surf September 19, 2025, 11:28 AM

    He really should have accepted the High Court’s decision instead of wasting more time and money.
    Reply
  • Mindy September 19, 2025, 11:29 AM

    Interesting to see the courts uphold the original ruling in full. Full marks for consistency.
    Reply
  • Sheldon September 19, 2025, 11:36 AM

    This is a win for truth. If what was said was fair and justified, then it should not be silenced under the guise of defamation
    Reply
  • Juju Bee September 19, 2025, 12:07 PM

    hmmmmmm Sometimes its good to just leave well alone
    Reply
  • Justified September 19, 2025, 12:13 PM

    Justice has spoken. This shows that even powerful names like Bird are not above accountability. The court made the right call.
    Reply
  • Antiguan Eyes September 19, 2025, 2:52 PM

    Boy, feelings can cost real money. Sometimes you may feel it’s a good idea to file a case or to stand up and pursue further action. But really and truly it may be best to just let this one slide.
    From the looks at it, it doesn’t seem that it was a good idea to push the issue based on principle. Mr. Bird should have just fly away and hold on to his money in the earlier stages of fight.
    Now he will have pay a substantial amount for how he feels about someone and thier comments.
    In these times, paying out uncalled for money really hurts. I’m sure.
    Reply
  • BehindEyes September 19, 2025, 3:52 PM

    Hope this matter finally comes to an end.
    Reply
  • Informed citizen September 19, 2025, 7:00 PM

    This decision reinforces the importance of facts over political mudslinging. Well done by the judiciary.
    Reply
  • Teacher for Life September 20, 2025, 1:43 PM

    Why they always coming for my Prime Minister? Don’t they know the harder they come the harder they fall? So leave my beloved Prime Minister Browne alone please and thank you.
    Reply
  • Maki September 21, 2025, 10:01 PM

    Once again the little man is crushed by the system. Whether you like Bird or not, this verdict feels harsh
    Reply

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