The Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Paul Cheong, has issued a demand for a $25 million settlement and a published apology from Stabroek News, following what he describes as seriously defamatory statements made in the newspaper’s “Letters to the Editor” section.
Through his attorneys, Cameron and Shepherd, Cheong wrote to the Editor of Stabroek News regarding the publication of several allegations on May 19, 2020.
The letter states that the words published were “seriously defamatory” of Cheong, accusing him of corruptly procuring parts unfit for purpose, focusing on private business rather than his official duties, lacking accountability and transparency, and being incompetent and unfit for his position as CEO of GuySuCo.
Cheong’s legal team categorically denied the allegations, calling them “deeply distressing, embarrassing and wholly unfounded.”
They argued that Cheong is a well-respected and prominent business figure in Guyana, with over 40 years of experience, having previously served as Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) as well as on the boards of several major Guyanese companies.
In the letter of demand, Cheong’s lawyers called for a full and complete retraction and apology to be published in the next issue of Stabroek News, with terms to be approved by Cheong’s legal team.
Furthermore, the lawyers requested indemnification for the legal costs incurred in the matter and damages of $25 million for harm to his reputation, as well as for the embarrassment and distress caused by the publication.
The demand letter gives Stabroek News until July 3, 2025, to respond, making clear that all legal rights are reserved if the demands are not met.
