PNP says PSC battle not over

[Lazie]

Lawyers representing the People's National Party (PNP) said the battle with Prime Minister Bruce Golding, over his decision to recommend the dismissal of the members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) is not over.

The PNP attorneys Thursday obtained an order from the Supreme Court, blocking any move to dissolve the PSC.

But the Order was handed down too late to save the members from being fired.

In a statement issued Thursday afternoon, the Governor General confirmed that instruments of revocation, were delivered to members of the Commission between 7 and 9 o'clock Thursday morning.

This came even as lawyers for the PNP were preparing to apply to the High Court for an injunction.

The Order was granted near midday, but attorney Bert Samuels said his team may have to go back to court to get another order.

Justice Kay Beckford, who heard the application, also granted the lawyers leave to take the issue before the Judicial Review Court.

The attorneys said they will be pressing for an order to quash the decision when the matter is heard by the Court on January 10.

The battle over the PSC has been going on for weeks with the Opposition and others claiming that the accusations of misconduct which is reportedly the basis for the dismissals, was a smoke screen.

They claim that at the heart of the Prime Minister's battle with the PSC, was the Commission's failure to change its mind concerning the appointment of Professor Steven Vascianie as Jamaica's Solicitor General.

[Lazie]

No govt lawyers for the Attorney General

Eyebrows were raised Thursday when a private attorney appeared in court to represent the Attorney General in the ongoing Public Services Commission issue.

Attorney-at-law Allan Wood who was instructed by the law firm Livingston, Alexander and Levy, appeared on behalf of the Attorney General's Department.

Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller went to court seeking a court order squashing the recommendation that the five member Commission be dismissed.

Lead attorney representing Mrs. Simpson-Miller, Bert Samuels, said he found it interesting that no attorney from the Solicitor General's office appeared to represent the Attorney General.

But a highly placed source told the RJR News Centre that a decision was taken to use a private attorney because persons within the Solicitor General's Department were involved in the dispute.

[Lazie]

PM to consult with the Opposition on new PSC members

Prime Minister Bruce Golding is to consult with Opposition Leader Portia Simpson-Miller on the appointment of new members to the Public Service Commission (PSC).

In outlining the reason for terminating the appointment of the five PSC members Thursday, the Prime Minister said it was necessary because of what he said is the persistent misconduct and unlawful behaviour of the Commission in carrying out its functions.

According to the Prime minister, the blatant disregard for procedural fairness and natural justice demonstrated by the Commission, was the subject of scathing comments by the Supreme Court earlier this year.

Therefore, the members of the Commission should have tendered their resignations en bloc.

The Prime Minister also accused the Commission of contriving to circumvent and frustrate the decision of the court.