How Much Will Hugo Patt be Compensated for Injuries?

Hugo Patt

So, how much damage is Patt entitled to now that it has been agreed that compensation is necessary? That will be determined by the court which will also award costs. According to Barrow, while both parties have met an agreement, the presiding judge is yet to give her approval before it becomes an order of the court.

Dean Barrow

Dean Barrow, Attorney-at-law

“The defendants, the government, the attorney general and the Commission of Inquiry have agreed that Mr. Patt is entitled to damages, to a financial award, to compensation for the distress and hurt feelings that the injury to his reputation caused by the publication of the report and for damages, again for an award and breach of his constitutional right to equal protection under law. As well, as a wrap-up, they have agreed, that is the defendants, the government and the Commission of Inquiry to pay Mr. Patt the costs of the claim. That is where things are. I know that there was, in another media outlet an inaccuracy by way of a report suggesting that all this is what has already been ordered by the court. That is not the position. The position is that it has been agreed between the two sides, it has been reduced to writing in the form of a draft order to which the redacted Commission of Inquiry report is attached, the redactions showing all the removals of Patt’s name from the report and that will now be put to the court for its approval, put to the judge for her approval when the case starts on Wednesday. That approval is, of course, axiomatic. If the two sides have agreed, there is no way the judge can say, “No, no, I won’t approve this.” But until she actually approves it, it is not fair to say, it is not accurate to say that this is court ordered. Once she approves it then it becomes an order of the court.”