…“a distinguished member of Guyana’s legal fraternity” – AG
The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana has announced the passing of Senior Counsel Murseline Bacchus, a towering figure in the legal landscape of Berbice and Guyana. Bacchus passed away on Tuesday at the age of 83.
Widely regarded as one of Guyana’s foremost criminal lawyers, Bacchus was a prominent and influential member of the Berbice Bar for nearly five decades. His legal career was marked by fierce advocacy, deep legal knowledge, and a commitment to justice that earned him respect among colleagues and clients alike.
Senior Counsel Murseline Bacchus
In a statement, the Bar Council recognised Bacchus as “the pre-eminent lawyer for many years in the ancient county of Berbice”, and noted his pioneering role as one of the earliest Caribbean-trained legal professionals. A graduate of the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Hugh Wooding Law School, Bacchus was part of a generation that helped demonstrate the calibre of Caribbean legal education. He was also a classmate and lifelong friend of former Director of Public Prosecutions and Chief Justice, Ian Chang SC.
In January 2020, the then President, David Granger appointed Bacchus as Senior Counsel, a distinction that underscored his significant contributions to the legal profession. His elevation to the Inner Bar made him the first Berbician to be conferred with silk in decades.
Meanwhile, Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall SC, MP, paid tribute to Bacchus, describing him as “a distinguished member of Guyana’s legal fraternity and a respected advocate who served the people of Berbice with unwavering dedication and in his own inimitable way”.
Nandlall recalled that Bacchus began his legal journey as a law clerk before pursuing formal legal studies at the University of Guyana (UG), the UWI at Cave Hill, and later, the Hugh Wooding Law School. Upon returning to Guyana, Bacchus quickly established himself as a leading figure in criminal law, often being sought out for his deep knowledge and analytical skill.
“Although a little rough in his mannerisms, he was always helpful,” Mr Nandlall noted, adding that he had consulted Mr Bacchus on complex legal matters as recently as a few months ago. “He researched from books—hardcopies, not the internet. His knowledge of old decided local cases was indeed admirable.”
Bacchus is survived by his wife, Pamela Bacchus, and four children, including his daughter, Patricia Bacchus, an Attorney-at-Law and the CEO and Chairperson of Caribbean Containers Inc and his son Blayne Bacchus, a medical doctor.
