The executive director of the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission has launched a defamation suit against an Australian gaming expert over comments made in an e-mail.

According to a statement by the commission, the suit concerns a message sent by Timor Vertes on February 8 to Michael Dunkley, the Premier, Grant Gibbons, the Minister of Economic Development, and independent MPs Shawn Crockwell and Mark Pettingill.

“The e-mail contained defamatory comments regarding the executive director of the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission [Richard Schuetz],” the statement said.

The commission claims that they subsequently sent a response to Mr Vertes requesting a retraction and an apology, but none of these were received.

“Proceedings against Mr Vertes were therefore issued by the executive director, with the full support of the commission, on April 27 seeking an injunction and damages for defamation,” the statement continued. “On May 3 Shawn Crockwell accepted service of the writ on behalf of his client, Mr Vertes.

“The commission is always open to listening to constructive suggestions and criticisms designed to assist us in our mission. However, it will not tolerate the surreptitious publication of defamatory material, the sole intent of which is to advance personal agendas and, at the same time, impugn the honesty, integrity and professionalism of those persons who are associated with and engaged by the commission.

“That is unacceptable behaviour and will be dealt with accordingly.”

The statement concluded that as the matter was now before the Supreme Court of Bermuda, they would not make any further comments on the issue.

Meanwhile Mr Crockwell confirmed that Chancery Legal will represent Mr Vertes in relation to the writ, adding: “Mr Vertes will proffer a vigorous defence to these allegations.”

Mr Vertes came into the spotlight in Bermuda earlier this year during debates about casino fees.

In an e-mail, shared by Mr Crockwell in March, Mr Vertes said he expressed reservations about the high cost of casino licences during a meeting with Mr Schuetz.

Earlier this week, Mr Vertes was one of several panellists that spoke on the subject of problem gaming at a town hall meeting organised by the Progressive Labour Party. Earlier this week, Mr Vertes was one of several panellists that spoke on the subject of problem gaming at a town hall meeting organised by the Progressive Labour Party.

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