In April - a former investor in the Commerce Bight Port held a press conference where he made allegations of misconduct against former Minister with responsibility for Ports, Frank "Pawpa" Mena.
Mena told us the allegations as baseless and careless and that he intended to bring a lawsuit for slander.
Well - though his attorney Dean Barrow - he did do so against Channel 5 - which issued an apology. And he also sued Indira Mejia - who hosted the April press conference.
And, today, a default judgment int he civil suit was issued by Justice Lisa Shoman. It's a default judgment since Mejia never appeared to make a defense.
Mena's attorney claimed damages, including aggravated damages - and Justice Shoman agreed. She awarded damages of $50,000.00 plus $20,000 since the Indira Mejia refused to apologize or retract her stamens.
That's a large award - and today we spoke via phone to Mena about it. He says it's not the quantum of the award - but clearing his name that matters:
Frank "Pawpa" Mena, Former UDP Minister
"A good feeling. At the end of the day we wait for courts to sort these things out, as much as you can explain to families and friends, somehow people may have doubt in their minds or uncertainly, so its a wonderful feeling that I can close this chapter. Its the clearing of the name that is very important to me. I dont know the weight of the person, but like how the person came at me with all the bitterness and all the vigor, I want to pursue with all the vigor as well."
And while it is a big award - it's a default judgment - meaning the other Indira Mejia never entered a defense. Mena says that doesn't matter:
Frank "Pawpa" Mena, Former UDP Minister
"Whether they put up a defense or not, it's their business, but I will put up mine to clear my name."
