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Unveiling Intrigues: Public Servant's Complaint and Freedom of Information Request Shake Trinidad and Tobago's Public Service

A senior public servant in Trinidad and Tobago has recently taken a bold step by filing a formal complaint with the Director of Personnel Administration (DPA), demanding disciplinary action against the acting Commissioner for Co-operative Development. Angela Ramkissoon, a Co-operative Officer III at the Co-Operative Development Division within the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service, is at the center of this unfolding administrative drama.

Ramkissoon's grievance extends beyond her formal complaint against the acting Commissioner; she has also alleged that she was unjustly bypassed for the prestigious post of Commissioner. To add weight to her concerns, Ramkissoon has enlisted the legal expertise of attorneys Anand Ramlogan, SC, and Vishaal Siewsarran.

In her formal complaint, Ramkissoon's legal representatives raised a critical issue regarding the appointment of Deborah-Ann Scott as the acting Commissioner. They pointed out that this appointment was made by the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, rather than through the formal channel of the Public Service Commission (PSC). The controversy surrounding Scott's appointment has even spilled into the legal arena, as the Eastern Credit Union (ECU) has filed a lawsuit, alleging that she was not appointed to the position in accordance with the law, thus accusing her of "misrepresenting herself as the lawfully appointed acting commissioner for Co-operative Development."

Ramkissoon's complaint takes a stand on Scott's knowledge of her appointment, asserting that she should have been aware that she was not appointed by the PSC. The complaint further raises concerns about the actions of the Permanent Secretary, suggesting that there may be more to the story than meets the eye.

Intriguingly, Ramkissoon's complaint also delves into the realm of freedom of information, seeking access to a trove of documents and information. This includes access to her personnel file, the Commissioner's letters of appointment, correspondence between the Ministry and the PSC regarding the appointment of the Commissioner, details about the policy, practice, and procedure for making acting appointments within the division (including the position of Commissioner), information related to performance appraisal staff reports, copies of any notes, reports, or supporting documents submitted to the PSC regarding the appointment or acting appointment of the Commissioner, a seniority and merit list for the office, and correspondence related to the decision to bypass her, among other documents.

Vishaal Siewsaran, one of Ramkissoon's attorneys, also made a preemptive request to the DPA concerning the possibility of a retroactive appointment. They requested three days' notice to allow them to file an application for judicial review and an injunction, should such an appointment be proposed. This highlights the complexity and seriousness of the situation.

Siewsaran also drew attention to the ECU's ongoing lawsuit, which has been scheduled for submissions on Scott's appointment on November 23, 2023. In light of these legal proceedings, Ramkissoon's legal team urged that the status quo be preserved to allow the court to adjudicate on the matter and provide guidance to all relevant stakeholders. They expressed the hope that reason would prevail, avoiding costly and unnecessary litigation.

In a bold move, Ramkissoon's attorneys also called for the removal and re-assignment of the Permanent Secretary within the public service. Additionally, they demanded that Scott cease representing herself as the acting Commissioner and that all acting allowances paid to her be returned.

This case serves as a potent reminder of the intricate web of bureaucracy and the importance of adherence to due process and transparency in the public service. The legal battle, the disciplinary complaint, and the freedom of information request collectively underscore the complexities and challenges that can arise within government institutions.

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