The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Mrs. Kathleen Pinard-Byrne, former Director-General of the Dominica Red Cross Society (DRCS), awarding her EC$75,000 in general damages for defamation of character. The judgment, delivered on June 30, 2025, also includes interest and legal costs.
The case stemmed from statements made by the DRCS and its then Acting Director-General, Mr. Jaslyn Salmon of Jamaica, during a press conference held shortly after Mrs. Pinard-Byrne’s retirement. The Court found that the remarks made at the event were defamatory and unjustly impugned Pinard-Byrne’s professional reputation.
Mrs. Pinard-Byrne had served as Director-General of the DRCS for 25 years, and the Court’s decision was seen as a formal vindication of her longstanding service and integrity.
The matter was listed under case number DOMHCV2018/0129 and appeared on the April 11, 2024 docket for Justice Jacqueline Josiah-Graham and the February 27, 2025 docket for Master Vernette Richardson, indicating its progression through the judicial system.
The defendants, the Dominica Red Cross Society and Mr. Salmon, were held jointly liable for the defamatory statements. The judgment concludes a multi-year legal process initiated by Mrs. Pinard-Byrne to restore her reputation following her departure from the organization.
Can’t take it into your grave with you! Your name-sake sue my cousin Lennox Linton also, they say he won!
I predicted he would never spend the blood money: where is he?
I suspect the money left behind is long spent by someone else!
Into the world we came with nothing, we leave with nothing!
Justice must be served! Congratulations.