Former Gold Board chairman threatens social media influencer Mikhail “Guyanese Critic” Rodrigues with defamation lawsuit

Last Updated on Sunday, 12 October 2025, 11:25 by Denis Chabrol

A former chairman of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), Gabriel Lall is demanding a settlement from pro-People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) social media influencer, Mikhail “Guyanese Critic” Rodrigues for defamatory statements he allegedly uttered on social media.

Lawyers Christopher Ram and Nigel Hughes denied that Mr Lall, who is a civil society activist, newspaper columnist and Eucharistic Minister, ever engaged in any form of corruption, smuggling, or criminal conduct. ” The broadcasts constitute a baseless and damaging attack on his integrity and standing. As a result, our client has suffered public embarrassment, ridicule, and significant injury to his personal and professional reputation,” the lawyers said in their letter about a social media broadcast on October 7.

In the pre-action letter on behalf of Mr Lall, the lawyers gave Mr Rodrigues until October 17 to propose a settlement or face legal action.

“Additionally, having regard to the gravity of the false allegations and the vast audience to which they were circulated, our client is clearly entitled to substantial compensation and reasonable legal costs. We hereby ask you to submit your proposal as to damages and costs.

“Should you fail to provide a satisfactory response by the date and time stipulated above, we are instructed to institute legal proceedings against you personally without further notice. In the meantime, our client expressly reserves all his rights,” the lawyers said.

Messrs Ram and Hughes also threatened Mr Rodrigues with filing criminal complaints with the Guyana Police Force even if there is a settlement to avoid any civil action. “Compliance with the demands in this letter shall not be construed as any undertaking that criminal proceedings will not be pursued, nor as any offer of immunity in respect thereof.”

Among the demands that Mr Lall, through his lawyers are making, is a “clear, unqualified, and unconditional apology and retraction” on Mr Rodrigues’ social media platforms and in the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News. The lawyers said the apology must first be approved by their client.

In recent months, Mr Rodrigues has lost a number of defamation cases, resulting in the courts ordering him to pay millions of dollars in damages.

Mr Lall is a known critic of President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPPC-led administration.

On occasions, he has publicly chided the opposition in his columns and other media appearances.