An adjournment was granted yesterday in the case brought by members of the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) seeking court orders to compel the government to honour an agreement for salary increase.

The agreement was made last October.

When the matter came before Supreme Court Judge Marva McDonald Bishop yesterday, it was put off to September 25 to give the government lawyers enough time to take instructions and file affidavits in response to the claim.

Attorney-at-law Christopher Townsend, who is representing the ISCF, said yesterday that perhaps the adjournment would give them time to facilitate future talks in an effort to resolve the matter.

No funds

The Government has indicated that it does not have the funds to pay them.

The claimants are contending that there was an agreement for them to get a seven per cent salary increase this year.

In court documents filed in the Supreme Court, the claimants are seeking a declaration that the heads of agreement between the ISCF and the Government agreed to on October 3, 2008 for the contract period April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2010 is binding on the parties.

They have described the amount owing as a debt owed by the Government and are seeking interest on the amount at the rate of the Government of Jamaica bond.

It is also being contended that the action of the Government via its servants or agents amounts to unlawful depravation of property.

The claimants are seeking a declaration that the action of the Government is a breach of the heads of agreement and is in contravention of Article 18 of the Constitution.

The attorney general is the defendant.

barbara.gayle@gleanerjm.com