St. John's 26°C Partly cloudy

Antigua News
Live
Antigua and Barbuda

Vere Bird III loses appeal in defamation case against PM

By

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

Editorial Staff

About the author

The Editorial Staff refers to all reporters employed by Antigua.news. When an article is not an original creation of Antigua.news—such as when it is based on a press release, other media articles, letters to the editor, or court decisions—one of our staff members is responsible for overseeing its publication.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (11)

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Informed citizen September 19, 2025, 7:00 PM

    This decision reinforces the importance of facts over political mudslinging. Well done by the judiciary.

  • BehindEyes September 19, 2025, 3:52 PM

    Hope this matter finally comes to an end.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Juju Bee September 19, 2025, 12:07 PM

    hmmmmmm Sometimes its good to just leave well alone

  • 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

  • Mindy September 19, 2025, 11:29 AM

    Interesting to see the courts uphold the original ruling in full. Full marks for consistency.

  • 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.

  • 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

Submit a comment

More from Antigua and Barbuda

View section

By clicking "Accept", you consent to our website's use of cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits.

Cookie Settings

Privacy Summary

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best possible user experience. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our site or helping our team understand which parts of the site you find most interesting and useful.

More information in Privacy Policy