Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC instituted legal proceedings against social media activist Melissa Ann Atwell, known as Melly Mel, and his lawyer, Darshan Ramdhani KC confirmed the relevant documents were delivered to her Brooklyn, New York address.
Nandlall is suing Atwell for what he says are libelous posts made on her Facebook page, which has a sizeable following.
In the submissions, it has been posited that Nandlall has been badly affected by a series of posts made by Atwell. Among other things, Nandlall claims that Atwell’s posts attack his character and they insinuate that he is unfit to serve as Attorney General, a Member of Parliament, a member of the local bar, and a member of Government.
Nandlall said the relevant legal documents were served but the social media activist, as recent as Friday, made a post that she was “still waiting to be served.”
In a statement from the Attorney General’s lawyer, Mr. Ramdhani, it was noted that Atwell’s statements were untrue.
He said on December 17, 2024, Justice Nicola Pierre granted orders to dispense with personal service of the Amended Statement of Claim and the Notice of Appointment of Attorneys-at-Law upon Atwell. Leave was also granted to Mr. Nandlall to effect substituted service on Atwell by sending the said documents together with an order of court for service out of the jurisdiction and the defendant’s authorisation code by pre-paid courier service to her Brooklyn, New York address.
And in accordance with that order, he said that Mr. Nandlall, through his attorneys (Mr. Ramdhani and Raj Jaigobin, sent a pre-paid courier package by FedEx containing the documents.
“FedEx has since informed the attorneys of Mr Mohabir Anil Nandlall that the said package containing the documents was delivered to Melissa Ann Atwell’s apartment,” Mr. Ramdhani said.
Documents were provided, indicating that the package was delivered at Atwell’s address at 18:43 hrs, December 20, 2024.
It was also noted that the package was received. It was signed for by a D. Thompson.
“One would recall that by a live video, the defendant had stated that if service was effected on that apartment, she would effectively get the documents,” Mr. Ramdhani added.
Now, the court will be notified by affidavit evidence that the service was effected in accordance with its order. And the matter should proceed now.
