by B. Roach
In an update of the matter where His Excellency Governor Adrian Davis following the probation of two Royal Montserrat Police Service Inspectors, Derona Semper and Albert Williams, reverted their ranks to Sergeants, he has not up to today responded to the Inspectors’ attorney, David S. Brandt.
Mr. Brandt had written to the Governor noting that his actions were contrary to the Police Act, asking for the Inspectors to be properly confirmed in their appointment. He highlighted what he called, “the obvious disregard for the procedural law concerning the confirmation of Officers as Inspectors.” He later stated the Governor was mistaken when he said that the officers were not appointed, pointing to section 12 of the Police Act. (see “Is the potential lawsuit against Governor a slam dunk?” reprinted with apologies in this issue, because the article as printed was far incomplete.”
Mr. Brandt, in his letter to the Governor regarding Inspector Williams had requested a timed response from the Governor, but today, having not heard from the Governor, wrote to him the following letter:
“Although I did not stipulate a time within which I required a reply from you in my letter dated 11 February, 2014, I expected an answer from you within a reasonable time. I have not heard from you so I hereby inform you that if I do not receive a substantive reply to my letter by noon on Wednesday 26 February, 2014, legal action will be taken against you without further notice.
“I am copying this letter to the Hon. Premier Mr. Reuben T. Meade because if you persist in not confirming my client as Inspector of Police unless the Court ordersyou to do so.
“I hope the Government of Montserrat will not have to pay the costs and damages which may flow from your action.”
Governor Davis at his press conference on February 12, while restraining himself unnecessarily from comment and answers to questions from the press, informed that he had passed the Inspectors’ legal challenge, on to the Attorney General’s Chambers, with whom we suspect he must have strained relations.