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Monday, July 6, 2009

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Customs officers taking legal action By KEVA LIGHTBOURNE ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ kdl@nasguard.com: Twenty customs officers in New Providence have decided to take legal action against the government, claiming they were allegedly by-passed for promotions this year following a restructuring exercise. The Nassau Guardian understands that a customs officer in Grand Bahama is also challenging the government over the same issue. The officer has reportedly engaged attorney Maurice Glinton to represent him in the matter. Lawyers Fred Mitchell and Raynard Rigby are representing the Nassau-based officers. Mitchell told The Nassau Guardian yesterday that court papers could be filed in short order. "The affidavits are in the process of being settled by all of the officers. Rigby expects to file an action in the court sometime late next week to seek leave for a judicial review," Mitchell said. "So the action is proceeding, there is no question about that, particularly since the government went and advertised the promotions." In May, a two-page ad in The Guardian showcased the promoted officers. Among those who were elevated were Glenn Gomez to the post of acting comptroller, and Earl Seymour to the position of deputy comptroller. Five others reached the rank of assistant comptroller for New Providence and Grand Bahama. Twelve other officers were promoted to superintendent, and 15 others reached the rank of chief customs officer. They are stationed on various islands throughout the country. The Guardian understands that the executive posts are not in question. In April about 40 officers, including senior and chief customs officers, received letters advising them that they would not be considered for advancement to the next level. Said Maurice Glinton: "This is a civil action to question...what the government proposes to do with these career civil servants. They might feel as if they are justified in doing it, I don't know, but certainly the clients feel it can't be justified and if that is the case they have every reason to have the court determine whether in fact it is legitimate in what they are proposing to do." Some of the officers who were denied promotions were on the job for more than 20 years. The officers claim that the act was "demoralizing" and called it a national disgrace. State Minister for Finance Zhivargo Laing denied that there was anything improper about the process. He said the exercise was done to improve the department. Wednesday, July 1, 2009