The transfer of an acting Assistant Chief Immigration Officer from Piarco International Airport to the Port-of-Spain head office has sparked concerns, as calls for decisive action over an alleged financial breach remain unheeded.
The officer, who was implicated in the disappearance of $38,000 in Government funds earlier this month, has been relocated instead of facing immediate disciplinary action. This move comes despite direct instructions from both the Permanent Secretary and the Director of Finance in the Ministry of National Security to initiate disciplinary procedures. The Service Commission has also urged action, yet the transfer appears to be the only measure taken so far.
What has fuelled frustration among senior and junior immigration officers is the fact that the reassignment might come with unintended benefits.
The officer, who previously worked near his home in east Trinidad, is now stationed further away in Port-of-Spain.
A senior immigration officer, “This shift entitles him to a higher travel allowance, effectively compensating him despite the unresolved allegations. He will now gain as much as $1,400 extra a month in travelling allowance for the month from his home to the office in Port-of-Spain.”
“This raises questions about accountability and whether the officer is being shielded from scrutiny,” the senior Immigration officer added.
Sources in the Immigration Division suggest that the Ministry of Finance is being consulted on how to proceed, creating further delays.
“The lack of urgency has led to growing suspicions that internal favouritism may be at play, as the officer is reportedly in contention for the Deputy Chief Immigration Officer position,” a source said.
On August 8, the officer was on his way to deliver $38,000 to the Port-of-Spain head office when, instead of going directly there, he left the cash in his vehicle and went into the Trincity Mall.
Thieves reportedly broke into his car in the mall’s carpark and stole the cash, along with Immigration Division receipt books. A report was made to the Arouca Police Station the following day.
Efforts to reach the Acting Chief Immigration Officer Mary Roseann St Hill-Billouin, as well as Ministry of National Security officials for comment were unsuccessful yesterday. —RHONDOR DOWLAT