Vescort Jones has officially returned to his position as Aviation Security Officer at the Dominica Air and Seaports Authority (DASPA), nearly eleven years after his dismissal in December 2014. This reinstatement follows an extensive legal and public campaign, culminating in a mutually agreeable settlement between Jones and DASPA, which includes a compensation package satisfactory to Jones. The original dismissal occurred after Jones allowed United Workers Party (UWP) leader Lennox Linton to dispose of crab backs at the Douglas-Charles Airport, an incident that lacked the required permit. This event sparked widespread public support in Jones’s home community of Marigot, where many viewed the dismissal as politically motivated. In January 2015, over 500 residents signed a petition demanding Jones’s reinstatement, which was delivered to DASPA CEO Benoit Bardouille by Linton and members of the Marigot community. The petition described Jones’s termination as a ‘clear act of political victimization’ and called for accountability within DASPA. Despite the public outcry and the submission of the petition, the Labour Tribunal failed to reach a decision on Jones’s wrongful dismissal claim for over a decade. A second tribunal was eventually appointed, and recent negotiations led to a resolution that allowed Jones to return to his post. Jones expressed his gratitude for the outcome, stating, ‘I am very happy to return to the job I have always loved. Aviation security has been my passion and my calling.’ He also thanked his family, attorney, and supporters for standing by him during his pursuit of justice. Jones now looks forward to continuing his service to Dominica, contributing to the safety and efficiency of the nation’s air and sea port operations. His reinstatement marks the end of a long-standing dispute and a return to a profession in which he has been recognized for his dedication and integrity.
Vescort Jones reinstated as aviation security officer nearly 11 Years after dismissal
