Political aspirant Kevon S. Lettsome has accused Guavaberry Media Inc owned by the controversial Rosemary Cindy Rosan of being malicious, irresponsible and politically driven. Photo: GIS/File

Guavaberry Media Inc owned by the controversial Rosemary Cindy Rosan, who has also said she will be running for political office in the upcoming general election. Photo: Facebook

Mr Lettsome was responding to a publication by Guavaberry Media Inc, which reported on January 26, 2023, that Mr Lettsome had earlier in the day appeared in the Magistrate’s Court on the charge of Uttering a Forged Document.

According to Guavaberry Media Inc, in a Facebook post, allegations read out in court, revealed that on May 27, 2022, a letter of reference was issued from Marvin Scott of Republic Bank of the Virgin Islands to First Bank on behalf of Mr Lettsome for the purpose of opening an account at First Bank. However, upon receiving said reference, the Branch Manager of First Bank identified some discrepancies in the document and contacted Mr Scott who confirmed that neither did he sign nor authorise the document. The matter was then reported to the Police.

The Facebook post further alleged that Mr Lettsome was released from his job at a local bank in March of 2022 under “questionable” circumstances.

The publication then mentioned that Mr Lettsome has indicated on several occasions his intentions to vie as a candidate in the upcoming general elections, “and has been on a media tour since the start of the year. He is hoping to represent the 7th District.”

The story was accompanied by posters of Lettsome giving Christmas greetings and announcing his political interview schedule.

It also said the Virgin Islands remain under strict watch by the UK based on results of the Commission of Inquiry held in 2021-2022.

‘I will prove my innocence’- Lettsome

Mr Lettsome, in a statement on January 27, 2023, said he did appear in court to “address” a complaint of uttering a forged document, adding that he was now happily at home with his family and looking forward to continuing to meet with the “amazing people” of the community he calls home.

The young businessman said he knows the temptation to try matters before the court of public opinion is sometimes easiest, but he trusts that the “gracious people” of these islands will allow the case, if there is one, to be tried before the court “where I will prove my innocence.”

“Though this is an unfortunate experience to endure, the opportunity to clear my name is an advantage that I look forward to, as I have not knowingly uttered and forged any documents,” Mr Lettsome stated.

‘Irresponsible & politically driven’

He also said he respects the press’ right to report all matters before any court, but finds the angle taken by Guavaberry Media Inc to be “irresponsible and politically driven” as they sought to link this “unproven matter to the separation of FirstCaribbean International Bank and I, and to cast a shadow on my prospective standing for General Election.”

Mr Lettsome argued there is no link in the two matters that resulted in the “separation from where I used to work.”

He said persons who have dealt with him personally or professionally on the job can speak to his “great” track record on delivering what the bank had to offer.

Mr Lettsome also said an official copy of the correspondence from the bank explaining the reason for separation is available for release if necessary.

‘Freshman reporting is intended to deter me’

“The connection created in the freshman reporting is intended to deter me from representing the people of my community. I will not succumb to the malicious attempt,” Mr Lettsome declared, while quoting former US First Lady Michelle L.R. Obama, who said, “When they go low, we go high.”

Guavaberry Media Inc owner Rosemary Cindy Rosan stated last year she will be contesting the 2023 general election.

“I’m assuring you all that I will be vindicated when this matter is concluded before the courts and I will keep my sights focused on the highly regarded honour I choose to answer, which is to serve the people.

“I appreciate all the calls and messages of support thus far. I look forward to a swift process that will result in my innocence being proven, and I also look forward to the better days ahead for this territory, which I hope to be a contributor to,” Mr Lettsome stated.