Bacchus’ allegations are so far-fetched police should make him subject of inquiry- Hughes

In the three recordings by Bacchus, who is mentioned in the sergeant’s social media post that implicated members of the Force in unprofessionalism, he did not deny being taken into Eve Leary headquarters by the sergeant.  Hughes in pointing to this fact, said Bacchus has not changed his tune that he contacted Bascom after the Wanted Bulletin was issued, and it was Bascom who took him to Eve Leary. “That he has not changed.”

Urging the importance of sticking with the main issue, which is Crime Chief, Assistant Commissioner of Police Wendell Blanham’s attempt to deny Bascom’s statement he brought Bacchus to the police station, the lawyer asked that we not be sidetracked.

A Wanted Bulletin in Guyana, said Hughes, is essentially a licence to remove a person from the face of the earth. Bacchus knew, in this context, the moment a bulletin was issued he would be a target and called the one person he trusted, i.e., Bascom, to provide him safe passage to the Force, the lawyer highlighted.

Further, it was recognised Bacchus may be upset being referred to as an “informant” which in the underworld/street has connotation and implications for others trusting him and a target being placed on his back. Sources have expressed similar views to Village Voice and said they feel others were instructed to interview Bacchus post the Travis Chase’s interview. The question was also posed “If Bacchus didn’t trust Bascom why did he call?” This matter stinks to high heaven and credible answers and closure could only be had with a proper commission of inquiry, said one.

Hughes is of the opinion given the information coming from Bacchus in his interviews he should be the subject of an inquiry. Citing an allegation made by Bacchus of Bascom’s handling narcotics, the lawyer rhetorically asked, “How is it possible the Officer in Charge would have a system to have narcotics removed and not know?” Pointing out that Bascom could not have been in charge of narcotics given his junior rank (he was promoted to sergeant this year), he concluded that Bacchus’ allegations are so far-fetched, the police should make him a subject of investigation.

The attorney also shared that for the sake of public confidence in the Force, Superintendent Mitchell Caesar and Blanham “ought not to be part of the team investigating the [Ricardo Fagundes aka ‘Paper Shorts’] murder because the allegations against them are pretty damning.”

The Force has distanced themselves from Bascom’s allegations about police’s conduct in solving the crime, including Caesar who has been accused by Bascom of taking $30 million to cover up the Fagundes murder, and likewise a city businessman who has been implicated by Bascom in the killing. However, Bascom and Bacchus’ statements are raising more questions about the credibility of some officers and the capability of the Force to solve crimes.

Hughes said in light of given reality it is important for Guyana to get experts to advise on the appropriate course of action to improve its crime fighting capacity and referenced United Kingdom and New York police units that were once compromised and able to change with intervention. He suggested Guyana looks at these or similar models to benefit from.