The court has been told that on April 6, 2018, then JFB Commissioner Raymond Spencer allegedly issued General Order No. 3/2018, announcing that the board approved the promotion of the group of 14, among others, to positions such as assistant commissioner and assistant superintendent deputy superintendent.

Now stripped of their new ranks, the group of 14, led by Johnson, is claiming that Hadeed overstepped his authority as a chairman neither has the power to “bypass” the commissioner and issue general orders nor to revoke promotions made by a commissioner.

The regulations governing the fire brigade outline that the commissioner “shall make” recommendations to the board regarding promotions, appointments, and confirmations.

“This means that promotions are only effected on the approval of the board having considered the commissioner’s recommendations, which are submitted by way of formal submissions,” Hadeed said in his affidavit.

“The board issued General Order No. 04/2018 in an attempt to remedy the illegal act of the then commissioner … to ensure the proper functioning of the brigade.”