Bhrea Bowen Asks Court of Appeal to Increase Compensation

Bhrea Bowen

In July 2018, Supreme Court Justice Shona Griffith ruled in favour of Bhrea Bowen who successfully sued the Gang Suppression Unit for violating her constitutional rights.  In July 2012, Bowen who was fourteen-year-old was arrested by G.S.U. officers who went in search for her at a summer camp. They did so after they conducted a search at her home on LaCroix Boulevard in Belize City and found three sixteen-gauge shotgun cartridges. Her mother and brother, who were at the house at the time were arrested, charged and jailed. Bowen who was not there at the time was also arrested and charged and incarcerated. Bowen filed a suit on the basis that the G.S.U. deprived her of her liberty without reasonable suspicion. Justice Griffith granted special damages of ten thousand dollars. Bowen, however, appealed the quantum and this morning her attorney Anthony Sylvestre made oral submissions. Sylvestre submitted that the Justice at the time of oral submission failed to properly consider the avenues that exited for Bowen to seek bail. Sylvestre agreed with the Justices that there is no evidence of emotional scarring, or any loss since the incident took place.  The crown was represented by Brian Williams who told the court that Bowen failed to seek bail and that Griffith’s ruling is proper. Williams pointed out to the court that Bowen has managed to graduate and open her own business. The court reserved its ruling.