The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Senior Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper has made a complaint with police against Omar Archer, accusing him of criminal libel.

In a letter to Police Commissioner Paul Rolle yesterday, Mr Cooper said: “A voice note that makes false allegations against me was forwarded to me by several persons last evening via WhatsApp. I recognise the voice to be that of Omar Archer. The voice note accuses me of corruption and conflict of interest. The allegations are false! I hereby request that the matter is investigated.”

Commissioner Rolle declined to comment yesterday.

Mr Archer’s claims concern BAF Financial and government leases.

In a statement, Mr Cooper said: “A widely circulated voice note on WhatsApp making defamatory claims has been forwarded to me. The claims are patently false and without merit and appear to be a criminal attempt to defame my character. I have instructed my attorney to take the appropriate legal action and I have made a formal complaint to the Commissioner of Police. There is much work to be done to move our country forward. Those who engage in character assassination of the men and women who offer to serve this nation are acting contrary to the national interest. I will not hesitate to use all legal means whether through civil or criminal recourse.”

Mr Archer served as Contractor’s Registrar at the Ministry of Works under the Minnis administration.

He could not be reached for comment.