THE EDITOR, Sir:
FOR THE past two years I was employed as a firefighter, working in the Clarendon division. On May 28, at the Jamaica Fire Brigade headquarters, I was informed that my services were no longer required.
I was given a letter, which stated that I was being terminated under Section 14 of the Fire Brigade Regulations.
In this letter there is no reason given for the section being brought into play against me, and it appears that someone forgot to read Section 14D, that makes it clear that if a firefighter is not informed that his probation has been extended after the second one has been written he is duly confirmed in his post as a third class firefighter.
My second probation report should have been compiled in June 2003, but it was not until March 2004 that I was made aware that I was still 'on probation'. Investigations by the union representing me in the matter (JALGO) have discovered that the commissioner was not a part of this decision-making process. Neither was the fire brigade board.
When a young man tries to follow the straight and narrow path and is shafted, what choices will he be left with that won't cause him to run afoul of the law?
Is Portia Simpson Miller aware of these injustices that are being meted out almost on a daily basis to the rank and file members of the brigade, which is the responsibility of her Ministry?
I am, etc.,
CLIVE VIRGO
May Pen
Clarendon
