KINGSTON, Jamaica — Lawyers for Juliet Holness, wife of the Leader of Opposition Andrew Holness, this morning filed a defamation suit against Dr Peter Phillips for statements allegedly made by him and associates of the People’s National Party (PNP) between 13 -16 February, 2016.

According to a release from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), in addition to the defamation claim, Mrs Holness, through her attorney-at-law Chukwuemeka Cameron, is asking the Court to determine whether Dr Phillips breached the rights of Jamaican citizens to a free and fair election in launching a media campaign based on false statements with the intent to mislead voters.

“This lawsuit goes much further than merely seeking damages for defamation,” Mrs Holness said in the release.

“More importantly, it seeks to preserve and defend our cherished democratic process. It is imperative that we protect the dignity of free and fair elections for which our forefathers fought and sacrificed throughout our history.”

Concerns were raised as to whether Dr Phillips abused his office as Minister of Finance and Planning by knowingly making false statements in an attempt to influence the outcome of the 2016 general elections.

“Never again should the state apparatus be used in such a vulgar manner at the expense of the rights of Jamaicans,” Holness said.

Dr Phillips was given two weeks to file an acknowledgment of service.