We are to say that Louis Zabaneh, the son to whom your editorial referred, is not now, and has never been ?on Mr. Fonseca?s private payroll as his personal adviser?. Our client has worked in various professional capacities with the Government of Belize, but has never been personal advisor to, or on the private payroll of, any politician. As a highly qualified and consummate professional, Mr. Zabaneh takes great exception to your statement. It is both untrue and highly injurious. In the context of the paragraph (and article as a whole), the slur on Mr. Zabaneh?s name is unmistakable. He is said not only to be on the private payroll of a politician, but a politician who has been playing games with his ministerial position, which games have gotten the government into trouble. The inference is untrue but clear that Mr. Zabaneh has been involved in those games. The further inference is that the games benefitted his father and the chosen few at the expense of the many.

In the circumstances we are to require from you a correction of the erroneous statement, about Louis Zabaneh being on the private payroll of Mr. Fonseca; and an apology for the innuendos that follow therefrom, defaming Mr. Zabaneh?s professional reputation and the uprightness and integrity of his character. Your correction and apology should appear on the editorial page of the next issue of the Amandala, failing which we are instructed to commence action.

Yours faithfully,

BARROW & WILLIAMS

(Signed) Dean O. Barrow