CJ rules Bulkan’s decision to terminate Linden Town Clerk unlawful

Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George has ruled that the decision by Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan to revoke the appointment of Town Clerk of Linden, Jonellor Bowen in March 2017, was “unlawful, as she was not given a hearing and no reasons for the termination was given…”

The judgment by the Chief Justice (CJ) was handed down on May 25, 2018. The CJ, however, denied Bowen’s request to be reinstated as the Town Clerk but ordered that she is paid benefits “consequentially on a lawful termination of services whether with notice or per contact.”

The CJ further ordered that the Ministry pay costs to Bowen in the sum of $50,000.

Via a letter dated March 23, 2017, Minister Bulkan revoked Bowen’s appointment as the Town Clerk of the Linden Mayor and Town Council. Bowen was appointed to the position on June 28, 2012, by then Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker.

She was sent on administrative leave on October 6, 2016, after which she resumed duties on March 1, 2017. Two days later, her appointment was revoked.

Bowen was represented by Mark Conway and Charles Ramson Jr. Mrs Archer-Caulder appeared for the respondents.