MediTech and MP Donovan Williams sue PNP's Alfred Dawes over drill controversy

Medical Technologies Limited (MediTech) and lawmaker-attorney Donovan Williams have filed a defamation lawsuit against Opposition spokesman on health Dr Alfred Dawes over controversial allegations he made concerning the procurement of a $31-million neurosurgical drill for a hospital.

According to court documents filed Monday, MediTech and Williams, are seeking damages for defamation—including aggravated, exemplary, and special damages—along with an injunction to prevent Dawes from repeating what they describe as "defamatory statements" about the company and the MP.

They claim that statements made by Dawes at the press conference implied that they were “involved in corrupt practices” and “selling supplies to the health ministry at a mark up of 12,400% and are thereby involved in the theft from and figurative 'rape' of Jamaican taxpayers.”

Dawes, a medical doctor, is the People's National Party's representative for St Catherine South Eastern for the upcoming general election. He has been publicly questioning the South East Regional Health Authority's (SERHA) procurement of the drill for the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

Dawes levelled allegations about the procurement process at a May 20 news conference, where he cited customs documents which he said showed that a refurbished drill was purchased for US$1,600, and an additional $90,000 was paid in customs fees. He also questioned the importation process.

MediTech issued a statement May 21, asserting that the drill referenced by Dawes was actually the repaired motor for a drill. The company stated that the new drill delivered to Bustamante Hospital almost seven months ago was a different, more advanced model—an EM800 series. MediTech also said it has not yet been paid for the equipment and its over 100 attachments.

The total cost covers $27 million for the drill and about $4 million for a maintenance package.

The court filing states that Dawes’ comments “has caused and/or is likely to cause serious harm to the reputation of the claimants.”

MediTech, which has operated in Jamaica and the region since 2007, says it has “established and maintained relationships with enviable supply lines, the maintenance of which is integral to the 1st claimant's [Medical Technologies] viability.” The company states that following Dawes’ press conference, its long-time supplier Medtronic Limited contacted it with concerns.

“Two days after the news conference, Medtronic Limited, the supplier of the drill contacted with a request for MediTech to opt to assume liability for routed export transactions or for Medtronic to assume responsibility for the requisite filings under the United States Foreign Trade Regulations. The 1st claimant has been a distributor of Medtronic supplies for over 10 years and before this media conference, this has never been an issue.”

Additionally, MediTech claims it has been the target of a growing online boycott campaign and that its staff have faced harassment, prompting increased security measures.

Williams, an attorney and Kingston Central Member of Parliament from the ruling Jamaica Labour Party, has asserted that he has never held a beneficial interest in MediTech, despite being listed as a shareholder.

According to his May 20 statement, he has only ever held shares in trust and had no financial stake in the company. He alleges that Dawes' comments have led to significant reputational damage, including social media attacks linking him to corruption.

The lawsuit also alleges political motivations behind Dawes’ statements, claiming he made the allegations “knowing [they were] false or recklessly, not caring whether [they were] true or false,” to boost his public and political profile.

“The defendant, as an aspirant to political office and political appointment, stands to benefit from this campaign against the 1st claimant as well as the 2nd claimant,” the claim states.

In response to earlier criticism from Williams, Dawes had dismissed the threat of legal action. “Go ahead and sue me. I’ll see you in court,” he said, challenging Williams to disclose the true beneficial owner of the company in a public trial.

Dawes has called for the Auditor General and the Integrity Commission to probe the matter.

Yesterday, the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) distanced its neurosurgeon and Medical Chief of Staff Dr Carl Bruce from the controversy amid social media reports on the identity of the silent partner in MediTech.

"Recent suggestions seeking to cast doubt on his credentials or imply that he holds positions that create a conflict of interest are both inaccurate and misleading," it said. "Bruce is not a director or shareholder in any company that compromises his duties at the UHWI. His professional integrity and commitment to patient care and public service remain exemplary."

Attorney Georgia Hamilton is representing MediTech and Williams.

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