Robert Paul Yann Savoie
March 19, 2025
To:
The Attorney General’s Chambers
Cayman Islands Government
Government Administration Building
133 Elgin Avenue, George Town
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-9000
Subject: Formal Demand for Compensation – Wrongful Imprisonment in the Case of Robert Paul Yann Savoie
Dear Attorney General,
I am writing to formally demand financial compensation and official recognition for my wrongful imprisonment in the Cayman Islands in connection with the alleged theft of the vessel “Sea Fever” on November 9, 2014. Although I was ultimately found not guilty, I was unlawfully detained for three months despite the lack of substantive evidence.
Case Background – Bail Refused After Alleged Boat Theft
On December 31, 2014, the Cayman Compass reported on my case, detailing my wrongful detention despite weak evidence against me. The accusations against me were as follows:
Alleged Theft of the Vessel “Sea Fever” – I was charged with stealing a 25-foot sailboat from Savannah/Newlands on November 9, 2014.
Failure to Surrender to Police Bail – Authorities alleged I failed to surrender on December 12, 2014.
Bail Denied by Magistrate Kirsty-Ann Gunn – Bail was refused due to:
My inability to report to the George Town Police Station under prior bail conditions.
Claims that I provided false information on my residence.
The argument that I had no ties to the island and could leave at any time.
However, Crown Counsel Scott Wainwright’s case was weak, relying on an Interpol Ottawa document that falsely painted me as a career criminal:
It was alleged I had multiple aliases and prior fraud convictions, despite lacking relevance to this case.
I was detained 140 miles south of Cayman, accused of heading to Panama, but in reality, I was rescued after three days adrift in a storm.
The U.S. Coast Guard came to my rescue after i activate GPS Spot device and returned me to Cayman.
Despite my innocence and clear defense, I was wrongfully incarcerated for three months, causing significant hardship, both financially and emotionally.
Final Acquittal – No Case to Answer
On March 13, 2015, I was fully acquitted of all charges, as reported by the Cayman Compass. The court ruled that:
There was no case to answer, as the prosecution failed to establish dishonesty or intent to permanently deprive the owner of the boat.
Emails between me and the boat owner demonstrated explicit permission to take the vessel on a test sail.
Crown Counsel Kenneth Ferguson conceded that the case could not continue, leading Magistrate Adam Roberts to dismiss all charges.
The Magistrate even remarked, “The court cannot speculate what would have happened if Mr. Savoie had not been such a bad sailor.”
Additionally, a charge for failing to surrender to custody was withdrawn, further confirming the baseless nature of the case against me.
Legal Grounds for Compensation
My imprisonment constitutes a serious miscarriage of justice under both local law and international human rights law. I outline the following legal grounds for my claim:
False Imprisonment & Malicious Prosecution
I was detained without sufficient evidence of wrongdoing.
The prosecution pursued charges despite my valid defense and the lack of credible witnesses.
Violation of Due Process & Fair Trial Rights
The authorities failed to properly assess the credibility of the case before detaining me.
My pre-trial detention was excessive and unjustified.
Violation of Human Rights Protections
My detention violated my right to liberty under Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
The United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) recognizes that wrongful imprisonment constitutes a basis for financial redress.
Claim for Damages
As a result of my wrongful imprisonment, I suffered significant financial, emotional, and reputational harm, for which I demand compensation under the legal principle of restitutio in integrum (full restoration of my position prior to the wrongful act).
I request compensation in the amount of $1.750,000 CAY to cover:
Loss of income due to my inability to work during and after imprisonment.
Legal expenses incurred to defend myself against the baseless charges.
Emotional distress and reputational damage due to my unjust incarceration.
Violation of my fundamental rights under international law.
Demand for Resolution
I demand that the Cayman Islands Government take the following actions within 30 days of receiving this letter:
Issue a formal written apology acknowledging the wrongful nature of my imprisonment.
Provide financial compensation in the amount of $1,750,000 CAY for damages suffered.
Confirm in writing whether the government intends to address this matter through an out-of-court settlement.
Should I not receive a satisfactory response within the stipulated time, I will escalate this matter through a lawsuit seeking damages in the millions, holding the Cayman Islands Government fully accountable for my wrongful imprisonment. Additionally, I will pursue the following actions:
A formal lawsuit against the Cayman Islands Government for wrongful imprisonment and damages.
A complaint to international human rights organizations, including the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC).
Public disclosure of this case through legal and media channels to bring awareness to my unjust treatment.
I trust that your office will take this matter seriously and respond accordingly. I look forward to resolving this issue amicably.
Sincerely,
Robert Paul Yann Savoie
