They are both Deputy Commissioners of Police and they are even lodge brothers, but Bart Jones and Richard Rosado seem like they will have to fight it out in court - about who is the most senior deputy. It's a big deal because the feeling is, whoever is the true senior deputy likely has the prime position to succeed Chester Williams as Commissioner.
It is an issue 7News has been probing for some time because Rosado had the earlier date of appointment, which was July 1st 2021; while Jones was appointed on July 1st 2022.
But, now, Jones is filing for judicial review contesting the lawfulness of his appointment. His case - in which the Security Service Commission is the respondent - seeks to declare Rosado's promotion a "nullity". And why? Well his filing argues that because there was no vacant post of Deputy Commissioner of Police on the 1st July, 2021 and that Rosado did not qualify for promotion as at the 1st July, 2021.
Jones' case also argues that Rosado was promoted ahead of him when he should not have been - thus denying Jones his own shot at seniority.
It's a consequential case, the second and third most senior cops in the country fighting it out in court to see who is really number 2 and who's really number 3. Sensing the tension, we've been following the story for months and recently asked the Commissioner about it on Uncut:
Jules Vasquez:
"You have two young deputies and there is some confusion about deputies and whether seniority should exist, I think the minister said that there should be no seniority but will this matter end up in court, the matter between the deputy Bart Jones and the Deputy Dr Rosado?"
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"This shows Jules that you are being briefed by somebody."
Jules Vasquez:
"Sir but..."
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"And from what you are saying I know who is briefing you you know."
Jules Vasquez:
"Nah Sir, I hear things from all over Sir."
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"Trust me, just me, I know where you are getting your information from, I'm not a fool you know, remember that, um."
Jules Vasquez:
"I don't ever presume you to be Sir."
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"But, again the public service regulation is clear about the issue of seniority, it says that where one officer seniors the other by 6 months or less or where the officer's promotion dates are of the same date, the officer on the highest point of the pay scale is the senior person, I hope I'm not mistaken but, I think that is what the public service regulation said."
It is widely known within the Police Department that the Commissioner objected to Rosado's promotion form the outset making much the same arguments Jones is now making in court.
We'll keep following this one to see where it goes - so far, no court date has been given. Jones is represented by William Lindo Jr.
