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}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 High Court Civil Jurisdiction \par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts18\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid1328056\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt \clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth3168\clshdrawnil \cellx3060\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth5688\clshdrawnil \cellx8748\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7736748 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 17 May, 2000, 16 March 2001\cell }\pard \ql 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\fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Employment}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 - lawfulness of discharge by Public Service Commission - subordinate officer on a five yearly renewable contract \endash contract yet to expire at the time of discharge \endash malingering \endash meaning of - High Court Rules O. 38 r.2; Prisons Act s15(1)(c), 30(1) & (2), 32, 35; Prison Service Regulations reg 19 \par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 The Plaintiff challenged his discharge from the Prison Service on grounds that the PSC}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1328056 '}{ \lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s decision was an ultra vires exercise of powers, denial of procedural fairness and natural justice, and non-adherence to the p rovisions of the Prisons Act. He claimed damages for wrongful dismissal.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 The Plaintiff had been charged and appeared before a discliplinary tribunal on a charge of malingering in respect of the deterioration in his work performance and indiscipline, and taking too many sick days when he was seen to drive a taxi.}{ \lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 A disciplinary tribunal convened to hear the charge submitted its report to the Commissioner for determination without making any findings of guilt on the charge. The Commissioner exercised section 15(1) and discharged the Plaintiff.}{ \lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 The Court found that the disciplinary tribunal substantially complied with the Prisons Act, but erred in failing to make findings based on the charge but made findings of fact affecting credibility. \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Held}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \endash (1)}{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 }{ \lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Where}{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 a prison officer cannot resign or withdraw from Prison Service employment without the consent in writing of the Controller, the disciplinary tribunal which heard a charge of malingering aganist the Plaintiff erred in making several crucial findings of fact including an adverse assessment of the Plaintiff}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1328056 '}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s credibility, which was improperly included in the record of proceedings transmitted to the Commissioner of Prisons for his decision. The Commissioner was not entitled to r ely on a transcript of proceedings or take into account previous disciplinary action, and ought to have followed section 35 of the Prisons Act in hearing and determining the case himself. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1328056 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (2) Section 15 of the Prisons Act which concerns }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 assessment of an officer}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s efficiency comprises two separate and disjunctive limbs, which recognises that efficiency is not a once-for-all time assessment, i.e. one incident of indiscipline does not inevitably spell the end of an otherwise efficient officer. The decision on assessment of efficiency of an officer is not one solely for the decision of the Commissioner of Prisons. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 The Commission}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s confirmation of the Commissioner}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s decision showed it failed to understand its role and function in respect of section 15.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1328056 \par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (3) The Pubic Service Commission failed to inform the Plaintiff he had been found guilty of an offence. The numerous irregularities meant that the Plaintiff was wrongfully discharged.}{ \b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par \par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Declaration issued that the Plaintiff was wrongfully discharged.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 }{ \lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Damages to be assessed, if not agreed, for 3 year 9 month period from date of discharge until expiry of contract period, plus costs. \par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 [Note:}{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 This case is reviewed in }{ \lang2057\langfe3081\dbch\af12\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 the Legal Lali Vol IV No. 2 p.31 December 2001. Subsequently the Prisons Act has been replaced by the Pr\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 isons and Corrections Act 2/06] \par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Case referred in judgment \par }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1328056 \par }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Sefanaia Masi Kaumaitotoya v The Controller of Prisons & The Attorney General}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (1982) 28 FLR 54 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Raman P. Singh for the Plaintiff \par Sharvada Sharma for the Defendants \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts18\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid1328056\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt \clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1908\clshdrawnil \cellx1800\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth6948\clshdrawnil \cellx8748\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid2492760 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 16 March, 2001 \cell }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\pararsid1328056 {\b\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 judgment}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts18\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid1328056\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt \brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1908\clshdrawnil \cellx1800\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth6948\clshdrawnil \cellx8748 \row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Fatiaki, J}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573277 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 By letter signed by the Acting Secretary of the Public Service Commission and dated 5th February 1997, the Plaintiff was }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 discharged from the Prison Service in accordance with {\*\bkmkstart s15_1_c_Prisons_Act_R_Tagicakibau_v_PSC}Section 15(1)(c) {\*\bkmkend s15_1_c_Prisons_Act_R_Tagicakibau_v_PSC}of the Prisons Act Cap.86}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 and by letter dated 9th July 1997 the Public Service Commission purported to dismiss the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s appeal against its (the PSC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s) earlier decision discharging him. \par \~ \par By Writ of Summons dated the 29th of July 1997, the Plaintiff challenges the lawfulness of his discharge on various grounds including ultra vires exercise of powers, denial of procedural fairness and natural justice and }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 non-adherence to the provisions of the Act}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 and the Plaintiff claims damages for wrongful dismissal. \par \~ \par In light of the above }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 grounds}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 advanced by the Plaintiff, defence counsel not unnaturally, sought the dismissal of the claim as an abuse of process in that }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 the Plaintiff ought to have pursued its relief by way of judici al review rather than by way of an action begun by Writ of Summons}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 . \par \~ \par Having heard argument on the application I rejected it on 20th November 1997 and ordered that the Defendants file a Statement of Defence and the action follow its normal course thereaft er. Two (2) years elapsed before the action was entered for trial and the case was eventually heard on 17th May 2000. \par \~ \par On the indication of counsels that the facts were not in dispute and with a view to expediting the trial the Court invoked its powers under {\*\bkmkstart O38_2_HCR_Rusiate_Tagicakibau_v_PSC_AG}Order 38 r.2 {\*\bkmkend O38_2_HCR_Rusiate_Tagicakibau_v_PSC_AG}of the High Court Rules 1988 to receive the witnesses evidence-in-chief by way of affidavit with liberty to cross-examine as counsels saw fit. \par \~ \par The witnesses were then called and each identified and produced his affidavit as an exhibit. The Plaintiff produced his affidavit dated 17th May 2000 (Exhibit P-1) and closed his case after defence counsel indicated that he did not wish to cross-examine him. The defence the n called two (2) witnesses, the Commissioner of Prisons (Exhibit D-1), and an Acting Principal Administrative Officer in the Public Service Commission (Exhibit D-2). Both defence witnesses were cross-examined by Plaintiff}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s counsel. \par \~ \par The brief facts of the case were that prior to his discharge from the Prison Service the Plaintiff was employed as a subordinate officer on a five (5) yearly renewable contract which was last renewed on 5th November 1995 and due to expire in November 2000. His career in the service can best be described as being a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 chequered}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 one in which he served in various prisons around the country and on no less than two prior occasions in November 1992 and April 1994, decisions were taken by his supervisors to discharge him from the servi ce owing to a deterioration in his work performance and indiscipline. On neither occasion was the Plaintiff discharged for one reason or another and he continued to be re-engaged in the prison service. \par \~ \par Despite the numerous written warnings he received throughout his service, and his re-engagement in November 1995, the deterioration in the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s work performance and indiscipline continued, and on 5th December 1996 a report was finally lodged against the Plaintiff by his then superior officer entitled: }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 SICK LEAVE AND DRIVING TAXI}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 . Concern was particularly expressed at the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 high rate of sick leave}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 taken by the Plaintiff during the period 19th November to 28th November 1996 and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 what you were doing during your period of sick leave}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 namely, }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 driving taxi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 . \par \~ \par As a result of the above the Plaintiff was formally charged with a disciplinary offence of Malingering: Contrary to Regulation 18(18) of the Prison Service Regulations in that: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 while on sick leave, (he) was found to be driving taxi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 . The Plaintiff appeared before a tribunal on 11th December 1996 and pleaded }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 not guilty}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 to the charge. He also sought }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 an independent tribunal}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 and his application was granted and the Supervisor of Naboro Prison was appointed to hear the case. \par \~ \par In this latter regard {\*\bkmkstart s30_1_Prisons_Act_R_Tagicakibau_v_PSC}Section 30(1) {\*\bkmkend s30_1_Prisons_Act_R_Tagicakibau_v_PSC}of the Prisons Act (Cap.86) provides that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 for the purposes of the trial of offences against discipline there shall be the following tribunals ...}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 and, in the case of a subordinate officer such as the Plaintiff, paragraph }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 B}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 constitutes - }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 A Supervisor or Senior Officer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 as an appropriate tribunal to try offences. No complaint can be nor was any raised by the Plaintiff on that score. \par \~ \par As far as the procedure at trials of disciplinary offences is concerned Section 30(2) generally provides that:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 No officer ... shall be convicted of an offence against discipline unless the charge has been read out and investigated in his presence and he has been given sufficient opportunity to make his defence thereto.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par This is further reinforced and expanded in {\*\bkmkstart r19_Prisons_Regs_R_Tagicakibau_v_PSC}Regulation 19 {\*\bkmkend r19_Prisons_Regs_R_Tagicakibau_v_PSC}of the Prison Service Regulations which affords a fairly comprehensive list of protections in order to secure a fair trial for an accused officer. \par \~ \par In the present case having perused the record of proceedings and in the absence of cross-examination pertaining thereto, I am satisfied and so hold that the provisions of {\*\bkmkstart s30_2_Prisons_Act_R_Tagicakibau_v_PSC}Sections 30(2) {\*\bkmkend s30_2_Prisons_Act_R_Tagicakibau_v_PSC}of the Prisons Act (Cap.86) and Regulation 19 (ibid) were substantially complied with in the trial of the Plaintiff for the disciplinary offence of Malingering. \par \~ \par It is clear however, from the record of proceedings that the tribunal that heard the disciplinary charge against the Plaintiff did not determine the charge or impose any penalty on the Plaintiff nor did the tribunal invoke {\*\bkmkstart s32_Prisons_Act_R_Tagicakibau_v_PSC}Section 32 {\*\bkmkend s32_Prisons_Act_R_Tagicakibau_v_PSC}as it could have done. In its own words: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Without making any findings I state the proceedings to the Commissioner of Prisons for his decision and award.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par \~ \par Having said that however the Tribunal then proceeded, in effect, to make several crucial findings of fact including an adverse assessment of the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s credibility. That should not have occurred and was quite improperly included in the record of proceedings that was transmitted to the Commissioner for his decision. \par \~ \par The Plaintiff complains however that the Commissioner of Prison}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s handling of the matter after it had been referred to him was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 in excess of jurisdiction}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 in that it deprived him of procedural fairness and denied him natural justice. \par \~ \par Although not specifically mentioned in the tribunal}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s referral, the sole authority or basis for the particular course of action adopted is that which is provided in Section {\*\bkmkstart s35_Prisons_Act_R_Tagicakibau_v_PSC}35{\*\bkmkend s35_Prisons_Act_R_Tagicakibau_v_PSC} of the Pr}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 isons Act (Cap.86) which reads:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \fi11\li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 In any case where it appears to the Supervisor or senior officer who is inquiring into an alleged offence against discipline, that the offence alleged to have been committed would not, by reason of i ts gravity, or by reason of previous offences, or for any other reason, be adequately punished by any of the punishments that he is empowered to impose by Section 30 such supervisor or senior officer shall, without recording any finding, stay the proceedi ngs and transmit the proceedings to the Controller.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par and, in such a circu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 mstance, the Section continues:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 The Controller may hear and determine the case himself or direct that it be dealt with by the supervisor or senior officer who transmitted it, or by any other Supervisor or senior officer.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par For his part the Commissioner of Prisons no-where deposed that upon receipt of the proceedings he had exercised his power to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 hear and determine the case himself}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 as he was obliged to do in the event that he did not direct it to be dealt with by the referral officer or by another officer. Indeed, it is sufficiently clear from paragraphs 34 & 35 of his affidavit (Exhibit D-1) and his answers in cross-examination, that the Commissioner of Prisons determined the cas e against the Plaintiff merely by considering the written transcript of the proceedings heard by the Supervisor of Naboro Prison which had been transmitted to him with the tribunal}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s inadmissible findings and remarks. That was a course which the Commissioner was not entitled to follow. \par \~ \par In the only reported judgment in this area, namely, }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 {\*\bkmkstart Sef_Kaumaitotoya_v_Ctrller_Tagicakiba_AG}Sefanaia Masi Kaumaitotoya v {\*\bkmkend Sef_Kaumaitotoya_v_Ctrller_Tagicakiba_AG}The Controller of Prisons & The Attorney General}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (1982) 28 F.L. R.54, Kermode J. (as he then was) in declaring that the Controller of Prisons had erred in law in finding the Plaintiff guilty of a disciplinary offence where proceedings were referred to him under Section 35 in almost identical circumstances as in }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 the present case, said at p.58:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 The Controller did not }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 hear}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s case. He certainly purported to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 determine}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 it but such determination in my view was a nullity as he had not complied with Section 35 which required him to hear the case if he elected to hear it himself. \par \~ \par When the Controller decided to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 hear and determine}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 the case himself he became the Tribunal t rying the case. He was obliged to start de novo and hear the charge against the Plaintiff in the usual manner. This he did not do. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 While it is appreciated that this involved duplication of work that is what the law requires if the proceedings are not sen t back to the Tribunal to conclude. The express prohibition of the record of any finding by the Tribunal that first hears the case is intended to prevent any pre-conceived views the ultimate Tribunal hearing the case might have gained from perusing the re cord made by the first Tribunal. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 The Controller could have sent the proceedings back to the Tribunal and directed him to deal with the case. He could then under Section 31 have reviewed the proceedings and if necessary increased the punishment meted out b y the Tribunal. He elected not to do so.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 and, in words that might equally apply to the present case, Kermode, J.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 continued:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 It is clear from the evidence ... that the question of the guilt of the Plaintiff was very much a case of which side the Tribunal believed.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 The Controller, not having seen or heard any witness, was in no position merely from reading the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (record of the)}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 proceedings to decide on the issue of credibility or the guilt or otherwise of the Plaintiff and his two witnesses.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 I have not seen the proceedings but if such views }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (as to the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s credibility) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 were expressed by the Tribunal in the proceedings he recorded }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (as occurred in this case),}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 they would constitute }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 findings}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 which he was expressly precluded by the Section from recording.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 I am in no doubt at all that the purported conviction of the Plaintiff was irregular. There was not in fact a hearing by the Controller and it follows he was not empowered to convict the Plaintiff.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 A similar fate must befall the Commissioner}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s determination in the present case where he deposed at paragraph 35 of his affidavit (Exhibit D-1):}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 As the facts had been established }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (by the Supervisor of Naboro Prison)}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 that the Plaintiff had in fact committed a disciplinary offence, I found him guilty.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par It is significant that in his written explanation to Public Service Commission dated 14th January 1997 in response to the Commissioner}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s letter, the Plaintiff maintains that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 In fact the case regarding the allegation that I was seen driving a taxi af ter my Annual Leave is still under investigation. For this I am still innocent until the tribunal proves that there is enough evidence to judge me guilty. I was in fact travelling to hospital while I was on sick leave.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par The significance of this is that it seems the Plaintiff was not advised by the Commissioner that he had been found guilty of the offence as he plainly should have been. \par \~ \par Unfortunately the errors in this case do not end there but are continued in the Commissioner}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s purported exercise of his powers under Section 15 of the Prisons Act }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (Cap.86)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 . \par \~ \par In this regard the Commissioner deposed that he did not impose any punishment on the Plaintiff for the offence of Malingering preferring instead to invoke Section 15(1) which he considered the more appropriate procedure. Plainly the Commissioner had formed the view that the Plaintiff ought to be discharged from the service. \par \~ \par It is noteworthy that no mention is made at all, either in the Commissioner}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s affidavit or in h is oral testimony, that, having formed that view, he as the proper }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 tribunal}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 , had applied his mind to the provisions of Section 32 of the Prisons Act }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (Cap.86)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 which relevantly provides:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Where it is considered that a junior or subordinate officer should be removed from office ...}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 ;}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 he shall be so informed at the conclusion of the hearing by the Tribunal and told that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 \endash }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 any representations made in writing by him within fourteen days, will be forwarded to the Secretary of the Public Service Commission, accompanied by all relevant papers and records for a decision to be made by the Commission; and that }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 If he makes no representations within 14 days, he shall be removed from office ..., accordingly.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par Quite plainly Section 32 is in my opinion, the more appropriate provision where a decision to discharge an officer is taken during the course of a disciplinary hearing and not the procedure under Section 15 which applies }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 at any time}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 irrespective of whether or not a disciplinary hearing has occurred or is being undertaken. \par \~ \par Be that as it may, the Commissioner wrote to the Plaintiff on 6th January 1997 in the following terms:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Recently I have received several reports on your poor work performance. Latest one}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s on 19.11.96 where you were seen driving a taxi instead of resuming duties after enjoying your Annual Leave. \par \~ \par You were enlisted into the Fiji Prisons Service on 5.11.80. To date you have been charged on: 12 occasions for breaches of discipline, 13 counse lling sessions and 9 written warnings. These had little effect on your performance and attitude towards your duties. \par \~ \par It is obvious that you have ceased to be an efficient officer. Under the provisions of Section 15(3) of the Prisons Act, cap.86, I wish t o inform you that I intend to discharge you under Section 15(1)(c) of the Prisons Act and hereby serve you one (1) month notice as required under sub-section 2. \par \~ \par However, I invite you to submit in writing within fourteen (14) days as to why you should not be so discharged. An early written explanation will be forwarded to the Secretary for Public Service Commission. If no representation is received from you within fourteen (14) days, I will assume that you have waived this privilege extended to you.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par Section 15 of the Prisons Act }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (Cap.86)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 relevantly}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 provides:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (1)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Subject to subsection (3) any officer of the Prison Service other than a senior officer may be discharged by the Controller at any time - \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 if the Controller considers that he is unlikely to become, or has ceased to be an efficient officer. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (2)}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Every officer ... discharged under the provisions of Subsection (1) shall be given one month}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s notice of intention to discharge him from the Prison Service ... or ... one month}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s pay in lieu of such notice. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 \par (3) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Where it is considered that any such officer should be so discharged he shall be so informed and told that - \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 any representation made in writing by him within 14 days, will be forwarded to the Secretary of the Public Service Commission accompanied by all relevant papers and records for a decision to be made by the Commission}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056\charrsid1328056 ;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 and that \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 if he makes no representations within 14 days, he shall be discharged in the manner prescribed by this section.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par It will be seen from the above that Section 15(1)(c) comprises two (2) quite separate and disjunctive limbs albeit that they are both concerned with the assessment of an officer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s efficiency. Furthermore the section recognises that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 efficiency}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 is not a }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 once-for-all time}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 assessment or in other words, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 efficiency}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 once attained can never be lost, but equally, just as one swallow does not make a summer neither does one incident of indiscipline inevitably spell the end of an otherwise efficient officer. \par \~ \par Kermode J. was quite aware of this difference in the limbs when he said in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Sefanaia Kaumaitotoya}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 ' }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 case }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 (op.cit)}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 at p.59 afte}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid990546 r setting out Section 15(1)(c):}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid990546\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 I cannot see how the Controller can be satisfied as to both the alternative situations covered by the provisions. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 If the Plaintiff was unlikely to become an efficient officer that implies he has never been an efficient officer. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Conversely if he has ceased to be an efficient officer (as was stated in the present case) it implies that he had attained efficiency at some time but that he was no longer efficient. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 I consider the Plaintiff is entitled to know the proper reason for his dismissal ... (and) ... the Controller should have stated precisely the grounds on which he proposed to dismiss the Plaintiff. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 The virtually contemporaneous conviction of the Plaintiff and his proposed dismissal raises a very strong inference to an onlooker that the conviction triggered off the proposed dismissal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par In the present case the Plaintiff complains that the Commissioner had erred in invoking Section 15(1)(c) and in not confining himself to the period after 5th November 1995 when the latest renewal of the Plaintiff}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s contract occurred and which Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s counsel argues tantamounts to a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 forgiveness of (the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s) past indiscipline}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 . \par \~ \par In his evidence however the Commissioner quite firmly rejected the suggestion that he had improperly invoked Section 15 by way of a penalty and said that he considered he was entitled to refer to and consider the Plaintiff}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s conduct prior to his contract renewal }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 in deciding whether the Plaintiff should be allowed to continue in the prison service as an efficient officer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 . Needless to say the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s contract renewal in 1995 had occurred during the term of the present Commissioner}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s predecessor and ought not therefore to bind him. I cannot agree. \par \~ \par In the first place, a prison officer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s employment is rather unusual in that once appointed he cannot resign or withdraw from the Prison Service without the consent in writing of the Controller (see: {\*\bkmkstart s13_Prisons_Act_R_Tagicakibau_v_PSC}Section 13 {\*\bkmkend s13_Prisons_Act_R_Tagicakibau_v_PSC}); secondly, {\*\bkmkstart s29_Prisons_Act_R_Tagicakibau_v_PSC}Section 29 {\*\bkmkend s29_Prisons_Act_R_Tagicakibau_v_PSC}of the Prisons Act (Cap.86) provides for the punishment o f any officer who commits any offence against discipline and, where punishment has been imposed, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 no such officer shall be punished twice for the same offence}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 . This latter prohibition would be rendered meaningless if the officer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s conviction could subsequ ently be resurrected for the purpose of undermining his }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 efficiency}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 as occurred in the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s case. The same cannot be said however, of warning letters and counselling sessions or other non-disciplinary measures but that was not all that the Commissi oner considered as his memorandum clearly disclosed. \par \~ \par This is rendered all the more important when one considers the submission of defence counsel that the Public Service Commission}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s decision under Section 15 is merely to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 confirm, vary or revoke the Commissioner of Prisons (declared) intention on the basis of the representations made by the Plaintiff}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 and further, that the decision of an officer}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 efficiency}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 is entirely for the Commissioner of Prisons to determine as the person best suited to assess it. On both counts I cannot agree. \par \~ \par This erroneous submission is evidenced by the title and contents of the letter of the Public Service Commission dated 5th February 1997 discharging the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid990546 , which reads:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid990546\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 The Public Service Commission at its meeting held today has considered your appeal and decided that you be discharged from the Prison Service in accordance with Section 15(1)(c) of the Prisons Act, Cap.86.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1328056 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \~ \par The use of the word }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 appeal}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 is unfortunate in the circumstances, since it belies a misund erstanding by the Public Service Commission of its role and function in the discharge of subordinate prison officers and, despite the Assistant Secretary}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s (DW2) attempts to down-play the use of the term, his statement (at para.3 of his affidavit) that: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 At its meeting, the First Defendant (PSC) agreed with the Commissioner of Prisons that the Plaintiff had ceased to be an efficient officer}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 reinforces the Public Service Commission}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s misunderstanding of its role and function. \par \~ \par In light of the numerous irregularities that occurred in this case I am reluctantly driven to the conclusion that the Plaintiff was improperly discharged from the Prison Service. \par \~ \par He has not sought reinstatement however and given the length of time it has taken for this matter to be finally determined (for which the Plaintiff must bear some responsibility) and the fact that the Plaintiff}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1328056 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 s employment contract would have expired on 5th November 2000, the justice of the case is best served in my view by a formal declaration and an order for the assessment of damages in the event that agreement cannot be reached. \par \~ \par Accordingly I declare that the Plaintiff was wrongfully discharged on 5th February 1997 and order that damages be assessed if not agreed from that date to 5th November 2000. The Plaintiff is to have the costs of these proceedings which are summarily assessed at $750.00. \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 \par Declaration granted. \par \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid990546 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\insrsid1573277\charrsid1328056 Marie Chan}{ \lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid1972231\charrsid990546 \par }}