Apologise & Pay up – Rodrigues Tells Sheriff Boss Over ‘Blackmail’ & ‘Extortion’ Attempts

August 10 2025

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, has accused prominent businessman Dr. Ameir Ahmad, owner of the Sheriff Group of Companies, of making “utterly false” and “malicious” claims against her in an online broadcast, that her lawyer says amounts to blackmail and extortion.

The letter, issued by Attorney-at-Law Ganesh A. Hira, following the August 8, 2025, incident, alleges that Ahmad, in a recorded conversation with social media personality Melissa ‘Melly Mel’ Atwell, directly named Rodrigues while accusing her of participating in “illegal and improper” land transactions involving himself, his family, and affiliated companies.

According to the Minister’s attorney, the audio posted on Atwell’s Melly Mel Facebook page—and by extension, to its 25,000 followers—also features Ahmad explaining that his intent in having the claims published was to “put pressure” on the Minister.

Attorney Hira in his missive, wrote that such behaviour, “is a clear attempt at blackmail and extortion, both of which are criminal offences.”

The attorney, as such, has since demanded a “clear, unqualified and unconditional” public apology and retraction approved by Rodrigues no later than midday on Monday, August 11, 2025, along with a proposal for “substantial compensation” and legal costs.

“Failing a satisfactory reply” Attorney Hira warned, “… I am instructed to issue a legal proceeding against you personally.”

According to the Attorney, “…my client reserves all her rights,” and further the incident, “have caused injury to my client’s reputation and good character” and will be shown to the court if litigation proceeds.

The missive was adamant, “Your attempt to ‘put pressure’ on a public official… will not be tolerated.”