Assistant Superintendent of Police Rodwell Sarrabo has initiated a lawsuit against United States-based Guyanese activist Rickford Burke, seeking damages exceeding $80 million for defamatory statements allegedly made on social media.
The lawsuit, filed in the High Court earlier this week, accuses Burke of publishing a series of false and damaging claims that have significantly tarnished Sarrabo’s reputation. Among the allegations are accusations of torture, murder, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and other acts that portray Sarrabo as a corrupt and dishonest police officer.
Court documents indicate that Sarrabo is demanding $10 million in damages for each of several Facebook posts purportedly published or circulated by Burke. These posts were dated January and February 2024.
In addition to monetary compensation, Sarrabo is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent Burke or his associates from making or disseminating further defamatory statements. The lawsuit also requests an order compelling Burke to permanently remove the specific posts in question from Facebook.
Further relief sought includes interest at a rate of 6% per annum from the date of filing until the judgment and 4% per annum from the date of judgment until full payment. Sarrabo is also claiming costs and any additional remedies the court may deem appropriate.The cop’s lawyers submitted that Burke’s statements imply or directly accuse Sarrabo of multiple serious offenses, including corruption and dishonesty, acting under Executive influence to harass or victimize citizens, conspiring to unlawfully prosecute and oppress individuals, violating Guyana’s laws, and exhibiting conduct unbecoming of a member of the Guyana Police Force.
Sarrabo’s legal team contends that these allegations are baseless, malicious, and widely circulated on various social media platforms, amplifying their damaging effect on his personal and professional reputation.Sarrabo’s lawyers argue that the defamatory remarks have caused substantial harm to his reputation and financial standing.
They maintain that the damages sought are intended to compensate for the long-term effects of these allegations, including reputational harm and potential loss of professional opportunities.
Burke, a vocal critic of government officials and institutions in Guyana, is wanted in Guyana in connection with extortion charges. The Guyanese government has sought assistance from the United States to facilitate his extradition and ensure he faces justice.The Government of Guyana has submitted a detailed report against Burke to several U.S. agencies, including the Department of Justice, the State Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
The report accuses Burke of engaging in criminal incitement, promoting racial hostilities, inciting widespread violence against various ethnic groups in Guyana, and engaging in acts of domestic terrorism. Additionally, it highlights Burke’s alleged pattern of malicious and defamatory attacks on the character and reputation of numerous prominent Guyanese citizens.
