Gov't still barred from filling fired permanent secretary's post

The government has been further barred by a Supreme Court order from filling the post of permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.

Yesterday, Justice Horace Marsh extended the injunction until November 25 when the parties return to court.

The Public Service Commission fired Robert Rainford from the position last month following a revelation that he posted bail for former Cash Plus boss, Carlos Hill, in 2010.

Rainford took the issue to the Supreme Court this month, and Judge Lennox Campbell granted him a 14-day injunction barring the authorities from filling the post.

Respondents are the governor general, the Public Service Commission, and the chief personnel officer in the Office of the Services Commission.

In response to Rainford's claim, the chief personnel officer said in an affidavit filed last week Friday that he had been incorrectly and erroneously fired.

Attorney-at-law Duane Thomas, who represents Rainford, had argued that there were serious constitutional breaches arising from his dismissal.

Rainford was informed that his job was being terminated because he had brought the public sector into disrepute by standing as surety for alleged fraudster, Carlos Hill.

The former Cash Plus boss is charged with fraudulently inducing persons to invest in his failed investment scheme.

Rainford claims he did nothing wrong in bailing Hill, who is a long-time family friend.