There are concerns that Police Commissioner, Winston James seems to be unhappy with the move made by some of his subordinates to haul him to court to review his policy on promotion.
Seven middle-rank police officers of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) have taken the island's chief cop to court over his decision not to promote them last July, and are now seeking judicial review into the matter.
The matter came before the High Court in its civil jurisdiction last week. The group of police officers ranging from Sergeant to Inspector includes Chief Police Prosecutor, Inspector Vannie Curwen, Inspector Rolda Bridgeman, Sheila Andall, Loxley John, Godfrey Victor, Malcolm "Medico" Joseph, and Byron Clyne.
One of the disgruntled officers told GRENADA TODAY he was suspicious that Commissioner James is annoyed with them to the point of not giving in return the courtesies they extend to him whenever they come in contact with each other.
The officer who spoke on condition that he was not named said that COP James on arrival at the yard of the local court in St. George's barely responded to the salutation that was given to him by one of the aggrieved officers.
He said he noticed that James only slightly raised the Commissioner's cane that he was carrying to acknowledge the recognition shown to him as leader of the police force.
"He is my Commissioner, and I do respect him. But I think he is taking the matter too personal. The issue is not about him as a person, but it concerns the Office of the Commissioner," the police officer said.
GRENADA TODAY court reporter observed that while seated inside of courtroom, one of the aggrieved female officers, clad in her police blazer, paid her courtesy to Commissioner James by saying loudly, "Good morning sir."
However, James only acknowledged her by simply nodding his head without uttering a word.
Commissioner James told a police promotions ceremony late last year that those who did not receive promotions in July are burning up inside, and because of "that burning and explosion", he is now walking in and out of court because of their legal action against him.
Commissioner James has been cited in the court papers as the first respondent in the suit, while the Public Service Commission is the second respondent.
Madam Justice Clare Henry gave the defense team up until February 19 to file their defense, and for the reply to the affidavit by February 29.
The disgruntled officers regard the decision not to promote them as unfair, irrational and inconsistent with the criteria laid down for promotion within RGPF.
