President Irfaan Ali has intervened to halt the state’s plan to appeal a $24 million court ruling in the case of Quindon Bacchus, a young man who was tragically shot and killed by police officers in June 2022.
The decision, announced on Thursday by Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, came after a request from the Attorney General’s Chambers to challenge the court’s compensation award.
However, following consultations, President Ali directed that the appeal be dropped, and the compensation be paid to Bacchus’ family.
The move follows a complex legal battle where the state had already admitted liability for Bacchus’ death but had contested the amount of compensation awarded.
The court ruling, delivered in November 2023, found the state liable and ordered the substantial payout, which the government initially felt was excessive.
At a recent press conference, Vice President Jagdeo revealed that President Ali had been briefed on the situation.
“The President was made aware of the ongoing efforts by the Attorney General’s Chambers and instructed that the appeal should not proceed. Instead, the compensation must be paid,” Jagdeo confirmed.
The Attorney General, Anil Nandlall SC, had earlier explained the government’s rationale for appealing the compensation award.
While the state had acknowledged its responsibility for the unlawful killing, Nandlall argued that the compensation figure was disproportionately high. “We accepted liability because the police were at fault, but we believe the judge exceeded the evidence when deciding the amount,” he said.
Solicitor General Nigel Hawke also defended the appeal, stating that while liability was not in dispute, the quantum of damages awarded was. “We agreed that the police were wrong, but the judge went beyond what the evidence could support. That’s why we are appealing,” he explained.
Bacchus, a 25-year-old father, was shot dead on June 10, 2022, during a police operation in Haslington, East Coast Demerara. Police claimed that Bacchus, who was allegedly attempting to sell an illegal firearm, fled when officers attempted to intercept him and fired at an undercover officer. In response, the officer allegedly returned fire, fatally wounding Bacchus.
An autopsy confirmed Bacchus died from multiple gunshot wounds. Police later found a .380 pistol and spent shells at the scene. Lance Corporal Kristoff DeNobrega, the officer accused of shooting Bacchus, has since been charged with murder. Two other officers, Lance Corporals Thurston Simon and Cadet Officer Dameion McLennon, face charges related to allegedly attempting to cover up the incident.
In November 2023, Justice Nigel Niles ruled that the state must pay the $24 million in damages to Bacchus’ family for the unlawful killing.
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