Former Deputy Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Roxanne Myers, was awarded GY$2 million on Friday for wrongful arrest related to an investigation into alleged electoral fraud.
Justice Ramlall ruled that Ms. Myers was unlawfully arrested and detained, though the court did not find that her detention constituted inhumane treatment. As a result, GY$2 million was awarded as compensatory damages, with no additional exemplary damages being granted. The Guyana Police Force, represented by the Attorney General’s Chambers, was ordered to pay GY$200,000 in legal costs by September 9, 2024.
Ms. Myers was represented by Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes, who argued that the police lacked reasonable suspicion of her involvement in the alleged electoral fraud.
Ms. Myers is among several individuals, including other current and former GECOM officials, as well as supporters of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), who are facing charges related to electoral fraud. The trial, which commenced on July 29, 2024, has been postponed for 30 days due to the magistrate’s illness.
