By Mark DaCosta- The High Court has ordered the State to pay $24 million in compensation for the unlawful killing of 25-year-old Quindon Bacchus by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The court’s decision, delivered on November 13, 2024, follows a lengthy legal battle.
The tragic events surrounding Bacchus’ death on June 10, 2022, in Haslington, East Coast Demerara, sparked widespread protests and national outrage. The police initially claimed that Bacchus was involved in an illegal firearms transaction, which led to a shootout with police. However, investigations revealed a disturbing set of inconsistencies in the police’s account, ultimately leading to the court’s finding of unlawful killing.
Quindon Bacchus, a father of one, was killed during a police operation on June 10, 2022, in Haslington. The police reported that Bacchus, who was allegedly attempting to sell a firearm to an undercover officer, fired at the police when they identified themselves. According to the police, they returned fire, fatally wounding him. However, further investigations revealed serious contradictions in the police’s account.
First, no evidence was found to support the police’s claim that the operation was authorised, nor was any police commander aware of such an operation. The firearm that Bacchus was said to have used in the alleged shootout was examined and found to be inoperable, suggesting that it could not have been fired at the officers. Moreover, no civilian witnesses corroborated the police’s version of events.
In light of these findings, several officers were placed under close arrest, and criminal charges were filed against them. Lance Corporal Kristoff DeNobrega was charged with murder and remanded to prison, while two other officers, Lance Corporal Simon and Sergeant McLennon, faced charges related to obstruction of justice and conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Bacchus died from multiple gunshot wounds, with six shots in total — five to his back and one to his chest. His death left behind a grieving family, including a young son.
The legal action was initiated by Bacchus’ mother who sought justice for her son’s killing. The case was taken up by the law firm Dexter Todd and Associates, and the State initially defended itself by claiming that Bacchus had been killed during a legitimate police operation. However, in July 2024, the Attorney General’s office informed the court and Bacchus’ legal team that the government had accepted liability for the unlawful killing and requested the court to determine the appropriate amount of compensation.
After considering the circumstances and reviewing similar cases, Justice Niles ruled that the State had violated Bacchus’ right to life, as enshrined in Guyana’s Constitution. The court acknowledged the gravity of the unlawful killing and the need for appropriate compensation. It was decided that the State would pay $1 million for funeral expenses, $22.5 million in damages for the breach of Bacchus’ right to life, and $500,000 in legal costs, bringing the total compensation to $24 million.
According to one commentator, ‘“This decision is a landmark in Guyana’s legal landscape, sending a strong message that no one is above the law, including law enforcement officers. The case underscores the importance of protecting citizens’ constitutional rights and ensuring accountability when those rights are violated.”
The commentator said that, “The case of Quindon Bacchus also highlights the need for reform within the Guyana Police Force to ensure that police actions are conducted within the boundaries of the law.”
While the $24 million compensation may be a victory for Bacchus’ family, it is unlikely to provide full closure to the emotional trauma caused by his death. The brutal killing of Bacchus and the subsequent legal proceedings have served as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by ordinary citizens when confronting abuses of power.
Public protests and unrest following Bacchus’ death were indicative of the deep anger felt by many Guyanese citizens, who demanded justice for the young father. The case may now become part of a broader conversation about police accountability and the need for reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The court’s ruling also comes at a time when questions about the conduct of law enforcement are under greater scrutiny. As the nation grapples with these difficult issues, the hope is that the Bacchus case will inspire a more robust dialogue about human rights and law enforcement standards, ultimately leading to a safer and more just society for all citizens.
