Fireman loses promotion challenge

Justice Frank Seepersad made the call as he ruled against a fireman who challenged the Public Service Commission’s decision to bypass him for promotion.

Ian Green, a Fire Sub-Station Officer (FSSO), sought promotion to the post of Fire Station Officer.

He contended he was the most senior officer on the list of FSSO’s who were considered for promotion and as a holder of a Masters degree and post-graduate diploma in Human Resources Management as well as an associates degree in Management, he had the requisite qualifications for promotion as outlined in the Public Service Regulations.

While the Chief Fire Officer was willing to accept Green’s qualifications, Seepersad pointed out that the Chief Personnel Officer was not as his qualifications did not accept the technical aspects of the job.

“The claimant’s dilemma brings into sharp focus the need for considered and calculated decision making in terms of tertiary education. Far too often persons have pursued courses which are not relevant to the specific areas of expertise within which they operate. While the pursuit of high education must always be applauded the benefit derived therefrom would only be realised when courses pursued have a practical impact within the scope of work engaged by or contemplated by the individuals who pursue same,” the judge said.

“There has been a trust to pursue traditional professions and management qualifications but the market appears to be saturated in those fields and a clear and decisive national policy agenda should be established to properly guide those interested in higher education towards areas where there is a demand, such as pursuit of courses in the field of science and technology,” the judge added.

In dismissing Green’s judicial review claim, the judge said the commission did not act unreasonably and had considered the Public Service Regulations and that Green did not demonstrate that he had the qualifications to be considered for promotion.