Court tells Wendel Robinson and the Gov’t to work out their differences amicably; if that fails, then a trial date will be set

The ongoing case regarding the suspension of Wendel Robinson as Commissioner of Police reportedly has taken another twist.

Reports say the case resumed in the High Court before Justice Jan Drysdale, and – in what a source says was “a most unusual turn” –

the judge advised both parties to have the matter resolved out of court. 

The case between Robinson and the Government is not a criminal matter, but a civil lawsuit. Therefore, before it is heard by a judge it would usually go through a process called mediation.

However, another source tells REAL News, this matter has already gone through an unsuccessful mediation period of five months. 

Meanwhile, reports say the case has been adjourned until April18, when, it is hoped, the Court will be informed of an amicable resolution of the matter.  However, if it is not resolved by that time a new date will be set for trial.

Robinson, now a fully practicing attorney, had been suspended by the Police Service Commission (PSC), on April 5, 2018, based on certain allegations.

He had been accused, by a number of police officers, of unbecoming conduct towards them and abusing his power as commissioner to victimize them.

The letter of suspension stated that, pending the determination of disciplinary charges brought against him, Robinson would remain on leave.

He took the matter to court, contending that his suspension was unlawful, since the chairman of the PSC had no authority to suspend him without first having laid a complaint or charge against him.

The Court agreed; and, in October 2018, Justice Godfrey Smith ruled that the former top cop should be reinstated to his position immediately, with costs awarded.

Hours after the ruling, however, the PSC hit Robinson with a second suspension – reportedly leveling internal charges of discreditable and oppressive conduct.

Many residents felt the PSC’s action showed scant regard for the High Court and the judge’s decision, and Robinson, himself, considered the act an abuse by the PSC of its own authority.

Subsequently, the former police commissioner was terminated on several grounds – including that his temperament was such that it did not allow him to get along with Minister of Justice Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, his former mentor.

Since then, Robinson has been on an unrelenting quest for justice.