No surprise after Governor reviews actions on his recommedations
by Bennette Roach
Bradley Siddell
His Excellency Governor Adrian Davis in confirming the resignation of Deputy Commisioner of the Royal Montserrat Police Service. (RMPS), Bradley Siddell, said, “It was a personal decision he was certainly not force. If you want to know his reasons, it’s for you to discuss with Mr. Siddell or ask Mr. Siddell. His resignation will be affected from 4th of April.” He joined the Police Service in August 27, 2012.
At first when the news began circulating on Tuesday, suspicions were that the Deputy Commissioner allegedly hinted he will not continue to work with the confirmed Inspectors Derona Semper and Albert Williams. It then seemed to be an explanation for the ensuing news that the Deputy had resigned.
While not denying the information the Governor directed the media to the Deputy who is still on vacation,
At his press conference on Wednesday, knowing that the H. E. must be armed with the knowledge of several issues surrounding Siddell’s actions and performance of duties, following his Cabinet consultations, the Governor responded to a question about any reservations he might have about Siddell’s resignation. He said happily, “I would take this opportunity to thank Mr. Siddell for the work he’s done at the Royal Montserrat Police Service… there are personal reasons for him to leave, there are other opportunities for him to pursue, I think it will be a sad loss to the island.”
Siddell pursued Inspectors’ demotion
Following the complimentary comments, the observation was made that Mr. Siddell was the architect of the ‘debacle’ (a word which the Governor refuted) in the advice and recommendations he made which resulted in his decision to ‘revert’ Inspector’s Derona Semper and Albert Williams to Sergeants in the RMPS.
Governor Davis refused comment, “on that aspect of it,” but would only say: “Following the representations from Mr. Brandt and the public interest in it, I decided to consult with cabinet…based on that consultation with cabinet, I decided I should reverse the decision and communicated with Inspectors Semper and Williams.”
Governor’s press conference on the way – Mar 12 14
“Did you have any cause for pause when you had the consultation with Cabinet,” question posed to the Governor, who, following his response that Cabinet discussions are confidential and he could not give any details about Cabinet discussions, was reminded he was not asked for any details, but rather did he learn anything from what came out of the consultations. He said he would then answer generally, “I always find Cabinet an educative process. I enjoy Cabinet, I enjoy the discussions and I always learn a lot from it, so the answer is I did learn something.”
The Governor was uncertain as to the date of the confirmation of the Inspectors appointment suggesting that it should be from the end of their probation. The issue arose because his letter of reversion said: “They will be advised of the effective dates in the usual manner.” Brandt contended that his client’s probation ended on the September 15, 2013 and there was no indication from the Governor that his clients were not fit or likely to become an efficient well conducted officer, as the Act required. Failing such indication, Brandt say they must abide by the law and confirm the appointments of his clients having regard to the section which clearly states “At the end of the period of probation, or any extension thereof, if the services of such police officer have not been dispensed with, he shall be confirmed in his appointment.”
Just today we learn that while I raised the issue at the press conference, the Inspectors’ attorney Brandt delivered a letter to the Governor asking exactly that his clients be, “be confirmed as Inspector of Police effective 15th September, 2013 with all the rights and privileges attached to that post as of that date,” asking, “May I hear from you by 28th March, 2014?”
As we intimated to the Governor, the matter can have a new beginning and the question to be answered now, is whether the secrecy of the reasons behind the resignation of Siddell can mitigate these new actions or compound them.
The Governor accepted a media observation suggesting there needs to be some answer, pointing out, …”there seems to be the potential for instability or lack of confidence in our senior officials, particularly when it comes to security…there seem to be some underlying problems…the perception is that all is not well in paradise…” arising from the various issues involving the Commissioner, the hon. Attorney General, the DPP, police inspectors, the police force generally. “I accept the point you were making, but I don’t think there is a trend most of the things were individual, but I accept there have been issues…”
