An experienced Special Branch officer is contesting his 2022 transfer from a foreign consulate.
In January 2021, Inspector Peter Fraser, a 27-year Special Branch veteran, began serving as Consul Security at the TT embassy in Miami.
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In May 2022, he was sent back to Trinidad following his allegation of certain anomalies in the embassy.
The Attorney General, the Prime Minister, and the Commissioner of Police have all been sued by Fraser.
The court has granted him permission to continue pursuing his claim against the recall decision made before his three-year term ended.
Justice Kevin Ramcharan granted him leave and postponed the case until January 24, 2024.
Fraser is requesting 11 declarations against the prime minister and the commissioner for their recommendation to revoke Fraser’s Security Consul appointment document in Miami or to transfer it.
Fraser asks the court to declare that the respondent “has and continues to act in bad faith” and to set aside the orders rescinding his appointment and transfer.
Fraser says he was attacked in the first part of 2022. In his case, he alleged that protocols concerning the consulate’s general security were not followed in accordance with established security policy. For the Special Branch deputy chief, he produced a report in this way.
He noted, “This pattern of behavior continued into February 2022, with security concerns as to what was taking place at the consulate, particularly at a time when the consulate was placed on a heightened security alert arising from an incident that resulted in the death of a Venezuelan infant.”
In addition, Fraser’s lawsuit claimed that a “unfounded and totally untrue allegation” was made about him and that he was taken off the alarm system. According to the lawsuit, he “recognized the malicious, defamatory, and grossly false allegations as a calculated attempt to smear” his character and image.
He continued to send emails to Trinidad without being able to access the security system. Additionally, he was informed about potential anomalies at the consulate.
They were forwarded to the Special Branch. After that, Fraser was moved, and on May 12, 2022, he was told to return to T&T. After two days, he did so. His lawsuit claimed that this was a violation of the two-month notice period required by law. Additionally, he was charged with creating “kuchoor.”
According to the lawsuit, Fraser requested to be heard, but nothing came of it.
“I was never afforded a disciplinary hearing.
He added, “The applicant contends the transfer was as a result of false allegations against him for which he was denied natural justice.”
It further argued that the relocation amounted to punishment and caused severe financial loss as well as psychological suffering.
His transfer resulted in an estimated $428,820 in lost emoluments. The lawsuit further claimed that only one officer had been returned for retirement during his 27 years at Special Branch. Fraser also asked the legal department of the police service for information, but they told him he needed to submit a request to the Ministry of National Security and the Office of the Prime Minister, who in turn said the request needed to be submitted to the police service.
According to the lawsuit, one of the personnel of the Special Branch is identified and recommended by the executive to work as Consul Security at TT’s consulates in Miami, New York, and London. The recommendation is forwarded to the commissioner for approval or rejection. If accepted, it is forwarded to the ministry and OPM for the issuance of a transfer document that bears the prime minister’s signature.
In his case, he claimed that neither the material he requested nor the response to his pre-action protocol letters had been received. April 1990 saw Fraser enlisting in the police force. The lawyer Lyndon Leu is representing him.
Kerwyn Garcia, SC represents the Prime Minister, while Colin Kangaloo, SC represents the Attorney General.
