Senior police officer told to resume duty with immediate effect

Sergeant Bertrand is to resume duties with immediate effect
Sergeant Bertrand is to resume duties with immediate effect

The Police Service Commission has written to Sergeant Philbert Bertrand, telling him that he should return to work with immediate effect.

The commission had placed Bertrand on half pay leave after he was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Curvin Colaire.

However, in June a “no case submission” was put forward by defense counsel Gildon Richards, which was upheld by the court and Bertrand was freed of the charge.

In a letter, dated December 1, 2016, the Commission wrote to Bertrand, “Please refer to letter dated December 07, 2015, interdicting from the performance of your duties. I have to inform you that the Police Service Commission, after considering the criminal charge against you, has advised that you resume duties with immediate effect.”

Sergeant Bertrand was arrested and charged for the shooting of Colaire in Palm Tree, Wesley on November 14, 2013.

Colaire was shot after he attacked the police with a cutlass.

At that time the police were responding to a report that Colaire was armed with the weapon in the community and was involved in an altercation with someone.

He was charged by the police for being armed with an offensive weapon and convicted.

However, the matter took another turn when Bertrand was arrested and charged in 2015.

In June, 2016, Richards put forward a no case submission claiming that his client had “No case” to answer because the prosecution had failed to prove a prima facie case against his client.

Seven of the prosecutions’ 13 witnesses were cross-examined by the defense after the prosecution informed the court that they intended to proceed via paper committal.

Magistrate Arley Gill then listened to submissions from the prosecution led by state attorney in the office of the DPP, Carlita Benjamin.

He then upheld the “no case submission” and stated that the case was riddled with”inconsistencies, lies, mischief, and innuendos.”

He called the case “a malicious manifestation of injustice,” stating that Sergeant Bertrand could not have been charged.

He said the laying of the charge was malicious, vindictive and punitive.

The matter was a major legal loss for the State. 

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45 Comments

  1. December 6, 2016

    My brother and friend it’s not the end of the road; I’ve got you back, but it’s no time to be complacent. The forces of EVIL will continue to pursue you; “the perceived evil that you do will live with and after you, the good is interred in you bones”. You can be proud of the selfless service that you gave to your country;some have been rewarded for less and others for doing nothing. It is your unwavering commitment to Law and Order that will see you through to the end. Like the gambler in Kenny Rogers song “you’ve got to know when to hold ’em, Know when to fold ’em, Know when to walk away, Know when to run. But above all be strong you owe it to the Commonwealth of Dominica; your maker and yourself.

    • Shameless
      December 6, 2016

      Great words Old Daddy! Berchy we got your back as usual brother.

      Always Assertive! :twisted:

  2. Cyril Volney
    December 6, 2016

    Phil Bertrand is my friend, and an outstanding man. I was saddened to observe the lack of support he received from the Police Force, and can only wish that his unfortunate treatment will be remedied. Back to work Phil. Hope you get to work in Wesley once again.

    • viewsexpressed
      December 7, 2016

      Good to here from CV. It is the nature of the bests that we see operating in Dominica. Some us must wake up.

      May I refer you to Dr. Francis Severin`s lecture and the continued cry of many Dominicans both hoe and abroad.

  3. Princess Natari
    December 5, 2016

    Bertrand my friend “after considering” the action taken against you by the commission and “after considering” the contents of the letter from the Commission to you which states in part “after considering the criminal charge against you, has advised that you resume duties with immediate effect,” you are well on your way to sue the commission etc. You mean it took six months after you were cleared of the charges and it was asserted by the Magistrate that “the case was riddled with”inconsistencies, lies, mischief, and innuendos.” to be reinstated in your position? Like other have said – “watch your back” “never let your guard down” because they will try to find the slightest thing to hang you.
    Be strong my brother and continue to carry out your duties with efficiency and effectiveness!

    • December 7, 2016

      That letter should have come with an apology, six months back pay, and a load of compensation. Don’t forget something for the stress he endured, the humiliation, and emotional pain.

      Since one DNO commentator has offered to help him with his legal expenses I expect he will want to discuss these things with a lawyer. The abuse will continue until somebody fights back. This adds fuel to the fire for those who say the CDPF is corrupt and needs a complete overhaul.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.

  4. December 5, 2016

    The police officers are sworn to serve and protect. Every time they begin a tour of duty they are laying
    their lives on the line to protect the public. If they can’t protect one of their own or themselves there is something wrong with the system.

    If somebody threatens the life or well being of any law officer (male or female) and they are allowed to get away with it what kind of message does that send to criminals? The message we want them to get is WOE BETIDE ANYBODY WHO TOUCHES ONE OF THEM :!:

    Anybody who assaults one of your police officers is committing an offence against the Commonwealth of Dominica: the Constitution, and the Flag for which it stands.

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. 8)

  5. francis henry
    December 5, 2016

    Stand strong my brother, the lord will open doors for you, believe in him and you shall be set free.

    • dee
      December 6, 2016

      Bertrand,
      Man take it easy, stay strong and continue to put your best foot forward .
      Deserved retirement coming up soon, Hurray.

  6. forreal
    December 5, 2016

    i respect the fact that justice was done,but I also respect the fact that the commission executed it’s duties by acting on behalf of justice to arrest and put the officer on half pay leave, whatever that means, but that is the way democracy has to work,do not allow anyone regardless of what body they represent run the law amock, this way transparency prevails,to many shootings of citizens throughout the world has put police officers in questionable situations.

    • MegSo
      December 5, 2016

      Should be democracy for all, not for some.

    • Ex da lawman
      December 6, 2016

      Well said.

  7. Unknown
    December 5, 2016

    Sgt Bertrand it’s not the 2nd or 3rd time the CDPF on your back, by now you should be half a Millioner. It looks like you getting more than your Pension from the Force. Daniel Carbon that need to get of this Office on the 2nd floor and it’s not far from now; he afraid too take his vacation leave 4Years as a Chief Of Police and yet to take a 1Year Vacaz, come on you doe see something wrong. He have too go and he must Go!!

  8. lightbulb
    December 5, 2016

    Why have a young attorney prosecute this case. Seriously.
    All you setting up the lady for failure.

    • TO HOT TO HANDLE
      December 6, 2016

      because they knew that the case was weak

  9. Lang Mama
    December 5, 2016

    Ali Gayle are you sure you will get another contract under Skerrit ,Blackmore and Levi Peter? UWP erst now singing Ali Gs y let praises but they did not want him at first because Ali Gayle was on political platform singing hail to Skerrit

  10. %
    December 5, 2016

    I really can’t understand what’s going on in this country…So the officer had to wait until the man slaughter him to defend himself…OMG! I am sure in many countries,he would be shot dead.

  11. Jackass
    December 5, 2016

    Yeah he might have been on the rigt side this time around…but soo many other things his name call in and no investigation. To God be the glory!

    • TO HOT TO HANDLE
      December 6, 2016

      he has always been on the right side. get your facts straight or dont deal at all
      you are like trump. what you hear you repeat without getting the facts

  12. December 5, 2016

    Dominica little police officers are so corrupted they must turn against each other even though they are in the right.

  13. Da
    December 5, 2016

    Brother verses Brother

  14. Roseau
    December 5, 2016

    If this sort of power headed politically motivated police action continues , we may soon loose Dominica to criminals.

  15. Massacre
    December 5, 2016

    I have known Philbert and some of his family members for pretty much all my life and I must say that they have contributed tremendous well to the development of Dominica.
    It is sad that he had to go through another humiliation after he did what he took an oath to do. To protect the people of Dominica from threats both foreign and domestic. Yet he had to wait all this time for a court to confirm what we all knew, that he acted within the framework and guidelines of the use of force on engagement.
    The Police Force is not what it used to be, even if they say there are more \”educated\” officers now than in the 1980 & 90s.
    The decision to arrest him was politically motivated from the start , so now this is the result we get from over zealous political-Police -officers.

  16. Sea Soe
    December 5, 2016

    The officer was cleared by the court in JUNE and SIX, yes SIX month after that is when the commission reinstated the man. A man that should not have been charged in the first place! What a system. I am not sure if Betrand needed that extra six months of rest but what a waste of state funds. Who is going to reimburse the state for this major vindictive, malicious blunder.

    Good luck Betrand, but be aware that they will be looking out for you. Make sure you find a toilet if you want to relieve your bladder or else they will arrest you and suspend you for indecent exposure or intent to rape.

    What did Daddy Chest say again? Somebody HAVE to pay for that

  17. PHQ
    December 5, 2016

    Examples like that are amongst the reasons why we have so much crime in Dominica today. Because every action by a policeman is scrutinized by politicians who know nothing about legal procedure. When you have political leaning Police officers making judgments and giving the P.M every detailed info in the Force , these are the consequences we have to reap.
    For many years now , some higher ranking police man have it in for this Sergeant. So this vindictiveness have deep roots in the force and some of them will stop at nothing to get at this officer. I am calling of all policemen and women with good conscious to come out and talk against the bad treatment of some of the officers in the force. Because one day no one may be left to speak on your behalf.

  18. December 5, 2016

    way to go da protect your cops

  19. Me
    December 5, 2016

    Whoever initiated that case against you Sgt. Bertrand, bring as civil action for damages. I would be happy to make a financial contribution for your legal expenses if that could be organised by a lawyer willing to take on your case.

  20. Helas!
    December 5, 2016

    Greetings to our special legal mind , who oversee those kinds of treatment, not sure if it is because his stint as a police officer was brief and in-effective!

    it is said,
    the charge was malicious, vindictive and punitive

  21. Allu Think Is So
    December 5, 2016

    Mr. Bertrand, during the course of time, you were not only surviving on air…….your stomach also called for food. I say let them pay. Hope Blackmoore will order an investigation in that expired ammunition, ROBO COP, no protection, laid back police force. Let us see you do your work now commissioner Carbon because you know Blackmoore will write you soon.

  22. Shameless
    December 5, 2016

    My brother, god does not sleep and like I told you before THEY cannot leave a good man down. The problem with the current management structure of the force is that it is very Vindictive and Malicious. This leadership destroys any officer they deem a threat to their position. You are blessed because there are no longer many officers cut from the same cloth as you are. You are a police officer to the core and as such will continue to serve in a manner representative of the oath you took many years ago.

    Now let me see what the said management will do now that you are back staring them in the face AGAIN! Let me see now if they will continue to withhold your Inspector promotion from you. The problem in the police force is the head…..and hopefully something is done real soon about it. Stay same bro and watch you back!

    Always Assertive! :twisted:

  23. cameron
    December 5, 2016

    Partner you must be a Worker,…………………………………………………………………………………..God is on your side,you defended yourself and other officers,and this is what you get.

  24. Iamanidiot
    December 5, 2016

    How can a man approach a police with a cutlass and the police is wrong for shooting?
    So what? he was supposed to wait for chap or something?

    • Shameless
      December 5, 2016

      Excellent question! Ask the chief, investigator and Attorney General. Even when advised by the DPP there was not a case against the officer they insisted on prosecuting him. Politics is destroying the fabric of this land even when it involves the livelihood and freedom of the innocent. The magistrate chastised them in a fitting manner. God will deal with them at the appropriate time. :twisted: :twisted:

      Always Assertive! :twisted:

  25. December 5, 2016

    The eddeyote is walking around with a cutlass, if this was the states he would be dead , period , and they arrest an officer for that

  26. Sirviviour
    December 5, 2016

    Curvin. You lucky you did that in dominica , if that Was in toronto you would be dead. A few months ago a guy pulled a hammer out after a police and he was shot dead.

    • December 5, 2016

      I can confirm that he wouldn’t get away with it in Canada OR the States. He’d be dead before he hit the ground. Our police are a brotherhood.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.

  27. Lovey
    December 5, 2016

    Well that police officer will tires be places on suspension and get back to work. Bertrand keep your candle burning.

  28. watchdog
    December 5, 2016

    If they can do that to one of theirs much less for us normal citizens!! My God. SMH X 1000……

  29. Justice
    December 5, 2016

    Sue them my brother sue them.

  30. Amarossa
    December 5, 2016

    I would sue them for wrongful charges laid against me in the direction of my duties!

    Too much corruption and nonsense in that police service….one set alone they seeing?!

  31. NabesandI
    December 5, 2016

    “They cant keep a good man down always keep a smile when they want see me frown”

  32. Shaka Zulu
    December 5, 2016

    Arresting thus officer was a crime in itself. If the judge could conclude that it was malicious and vindictive, those who were involved must and should be disciplined. I would like to see the police service commission order an internal investigation and make sure those who were involved in this mischievous behavior dealt with. We cannot have that level of behavior in the police force. It is not only dangerous but also putting our national security at risk and in disrepute. Totally unacceptable!!

    • December 7, 2016

      Shaka Zulu:

      Your comment is common sense and well written.

      Sergeant Bertrand is not the first Police officer to be unjustly and unfairly treated by the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force. The Force seems to think they are the “Untouchables”. Dominica must have employment laws and protocol the same as every other civilized nation and it is time somebody brought them to bear upon the CDPF. The Sergeant must be compensated if justice is going to prevail while the world watches.

      It is no secret that some people believe the “powers that be” had a grievance against this Sergeant and were out to get him. They were laying in wait to pounce on him for any alleged wrong move. Even when the case against him fell apart they waited six months to give him the benefit of that outcome. This is either downright dirt or the ultimate incompetency.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill

  33. Tjebe fort
    December 5, 2016

    I hope he get properly compensated for any pecuniary losses he incurred. The govt. always says that we must support our police force. Well they can make an example now and do the right thing.

    • BEB
      December 7, 2016

      U can rest and sure that he will be better off with cash, as he will be getting a lump sum, the other half of his salary, so he is going to be better off than if he was working.
      I wish him well in the line of duty

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