Pastor sues dic for unlawful dismisal

In his lawsuit filed in the San Fernando Supreme Court, Harripual claimed that he was unceremoniously dismissed by the PNM appointed board on April 7.

He is being represented by team of Attorneys of Freedom Law Chambers led by Anand Ramlogan SC, Kent Samlal and instructed by Kavita Sarran.

Harripaul, who is a pastor at New Testament of God Church in Montrose Chaguanas said he was invited into a Board meeting and was presented with a resignation letter by Board Chairman Mr. Alvin Hilare, who indicated that the Board had taken the liberty of preparing a termination letter and a resignation letter for him to choose one.

Harripaul stated he asked for time to seek legal advice to carefully consider the options.

He said he was taken by surprise and asked for the reasons for their actions and details of any allegation so that he can respond, however he was told by the Board that they wanted to end the matter “today” and was warned that “he should do the right thing or else his career could be ruined.

Upon exiting the board room, Harripual was escorted by a contingent of armed security guards from the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago who watched his every move.

Ten minutes later he said he was summoned back to the board room, and again asked for his decision. In was in those circumstances he tendered his resignation in disgust and left.

He is claiming for damages for unlawful dismissal and aggravated and exemplary damages for the manner of his constructive dismissal.

He was not informed of any allegations against him and was not given a fair opportunity to consider the issue, far less seek legal advice.

He claims that he was forced to resign under duress and has to undergo the humiliation of being escorted by armed security and was treated as a common criminal.

Justice Ricky Rahim has been assigned to the case.