King’s House workers in COVID-19 lawsuits get court date

Office attendants Valrie Marsh Bennett and Signorina Raymond, who have been blocked from entering their place of employment at King's House, the Governor General's residence, are to have their lawsuits heard in the Supreme Court on September 18.

The women been hindered from going to work since October 2021 because of failure to provide COVID-19 test results.

They filed lawsuits in March this year contending that their constitutional rights are being breached.

The claimants, who have not received any salaries since April 2022, say they are suffering financial hardships.

Raymond, who has been employed at King's House since July 2012, stated in her claim form that she did furnish her workplace with a medical report which stated the reason she was unable to take the vaccine.

Marsh Bennett has been employed at King's House since 2011.

On October 6, 2021 when they turned up for work, they were prevented from entering the premises because orders were given to members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force to block them.

They said they have not been informed by the Public Service Commission or the Governor General that they were no longer employed as public officers.

The Attorney General is the defendant in the claim in which the claimants are seeking several declarations.

Attorney-at-law Hugh Wildman has been instructed by the Jamaica Civil Service Association to represent the women.

- Barbara Gayle

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