The Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega took the stand in court today. A substantive libel case is being brought against two parties by Vega before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Vega is suing Ramon Cervantes Junior, his political opponent in Orange Walk North, for slandering him and causing damage to his reputation by airing a defamatory recording. The DPM is also suing Fiesta FM, a radio station in Orange Walk. He claims their equipment was used to broadcast the recording of a phone call between a man believed to be Manuel Castillo who makes explosive and disturbing allegations against Vega. Castillo, a suspect in the brutal murder of Ramon Cervantes Senior, purported placed the call to Cervantes Senior’s wife. The recording was aired at a memorial service for the former mayor and senator back in November of 2014. While Vega told the court that the allegations had a negative effect on his reputation, he could not tell how much he had been affected politically. The DPM was cross-examined by attorney Eamon Courtenay, attorney for Fiesta FM and attorney Said Musa, on behalf of Cervantes. Attorney Rodwell Williams who is representing Vega offered brief comments after day one of the case.
Reporter
“How is the case going in your opinion, sir?”
Rodwell Williams
Rodwell Williams, Attorney for Gaspar Vega
“We are very comfortable with the progress of the case so far…it is of course as you’re aware on its way. It’s close to ending but we are quite comfortable and confident.”
Reporter
“What is the next step for you all in trying to establish the injury to Mr. Gapi’s character?”
Rodwell Williams
“No we’re not trying to start…there has been injury and that’s why we are here, and to seek to vindicate the damage to his reputation.”