Antigua and Barbuda

Partly Cloudy
82°F
High: 82°F
Low: 77°F
 

Immigration Department Will Enforce Discipline

Details
Latest
Tuesday, 10 July 2012 02:30
By caribarena news
SocButtons v1.5

Dr. Errol CortAntigua St John's - Irrespective of the legal outcome of cases of infractions committed by Immigration Officers, the administrative arm of the department will determine the future of the officers within the department.

This is according to National Security Minister Dr. Errol Cort, speaking in response to media probing on a matter involving officers who have been on suspension for over a year regarding allegations of infringements now before the courts.

“The department has now taken a different position from an administrative standpoint… Even though there may be allegations of criminal wrongdoing and those allegations are before the court, it is incumbent on the department to take its own position with respect to the matter, notwithstanding what the court may or may not do,” Dr. Cort said.

He noted also that therefore all existing matters are and will be administratively investigated and if, based on the evidence unearthed, it is felt that there was wrongdoing then disciplinary action would be taken. This is outside of the court proceedings, which could still be initiated, as such matters are deemed “separate and distinct”  from the actions of the Immigration Department.


Some time ago some immigration officers were detained for what union representatives claim to be periods outside of what the law permits. This was some years ago. Today, these individuals remain on leave while court proceedings continue.

Union representatives are now looking to have these individuals returned to the job and Dr. Cort says the matter is currently within the hands of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary who has “full conduct of this situation.”

Dr. Cort admits that there have been a number of immigration officers who have been alleged to have been involved in certain infractions, and that those matters are being investigated. If there is substantial evidence to confirm wrongdoing on the part of the individuals then disciplinary action will be taken in a manner specific to each case.

These actions will fall outside of the court proceedings, whatever they might be.

Tags:
Dr. Errol Cort Immigration
SocButtons v1.5
Hits: 1368

3 Comments In This Article   

HEADER   

Audrey

#3 audrey taylor » 2012-07-11 10:59

Are these officers getting paid pending court proceeding?????
0
0
+
−

audrey taylor

Political Hiring is the problem

#2 Dr. Dredd » 2012-07-10 09:45

When the Immigration Department was privatised, it started out well with a high level of staff being employed. The ALP politicans soon changed that by breaking their own set standards to get employment for their girlfriends. This got even worse under the UPP especially when the Chief Servant was in charge of Immigration. When you have no standards, you look for what you get. At one point, 12 Immigration Officers were on charges before the Court. The problem is that, as we know, the Courts and the Police take for ever top deal with cases. In addition to what ever the Courts are doing or not doing, the Department should conduct its own investigations and deal with the individuals. Immigration is a quasi Police/Military institution and they don't even have minimum standards. Have you seen the tattooes on the female officers and the ear rings on the males? Totally unacceptable for the kind of organisation it is supposed to be.
4
0
+
−

Dr. Dredd

RE: Immigration Department Will Enforce Discipline

#1 Audley Dave Joseph » 2012-07-10 06:08

In my opinion, Ralph Potter and the workers themselves are wasting time. I WOULD SUE WHOEVER I HAVE TO SUE AND DONE THE IGNORANCE. Can't the union see these guys (government agents and agency) just think they can do as they like? Come on, give me a break here. The labour code is clear here. What stupidness I hear Cort talking about (as reported). I hope unions are taking notes, because in my opinion, there are policy decisions the Minister is talking about and he has a role to play in the reconciliation process. WHAT YOU THINK HIS THINKING WILL BE WITH "OTHER MATTERS" OF THIS NATURE GOES BEFORE HIM OR WHAT POSITION DO YOU THINK THE HEARING OFFICERS UNDER HIS SUPERVISON WILL TAKE? A word to the wise is sufficient.
5
0
+
−

Audley Dave Joseph

Add comment

RSS

World News

Follow us on Facebook

Popular Questions

Ask Your Question

Spotlight on Business

Previous Next
Social Media Exposes Illegal Workers
Social Media Exposes Illegal Workers
Antigua St. John's - The saga of illegal workers at Il Giardino, the fine dining...  Read more

Latest News

Most Popular This Month

Search Directory


Directory Listings

Woods Pharmacy & MiniMart

Woods Pharmacy & MiniMart

  Woods Pharmacy and Mini Mart We are open to serve you Daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. On Sundays from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on all Public ...

Category: Pharmacies & Pharmaceutical Supplies

LCD Tools and More

LCD Tools and More

  English Harbours most friendly Hardware Store.With Sales and Rentals on Construction Tools and Equipment,Plumbing and Electrical Supplies,Cement, ...

Category: Building & Construction

App

Android LogoDownload Caribarena's Android App Click To Download

Find us on Twitter!