Bermuda Court Finds Commissioner Acted Unlawfully

Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, acted unlawfully when he dismissed police constable Marcus Uddin who was still on probation, a judge has ruled; the island’s top officer “was in breach of the duty of fairness and therefore unlawful”.

The Bermuda police stance appears to be arrogant, contemptuous of new recruits, the chief seemingly believing he had every right to dismiss, whatever the reason, because an officer was still on probation – a period that last 3 years in Bermuda.

So much for freedom, equality and dignity!

Having undergone the Recruit Foundation Course 79 Passing Out Parade, Sunday, March 17,2019, Constable 2546 Marcus Uddin was dismissed in 2021.

What now?

• A further hearing will consider Mr Uddin’s claim for damages and costs
• Should the taxpayer meets these costs or should they be paid by Mr Simons?
• Will the Governor instigate disciplinary proceedings against Mr Simmons?

03/2023  Narinder Hargun (Chief Justice) ruled Mr Uddin was unlawfully dismissed.

10/2023 civil claim hearing against the Commissioner of Police for reinstatement and compensation.

11/2023 Officer Marcus Uddin loses case for reinstatement – read more here.

HUMAN RIGHTS

Article 23
Right to work
Everyone has the right to work in just and favourable conditions and be free to choose your work with a salary that allows you to live and support family. Everyone should receive equal pay for equal work.

1. Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
2. Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
3. Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
4. Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.