Forty-three members of Trinidad and Tobago’s Volunteer Defence Force (VDF) have initiated a constitutional motion against the State, alleging decades-long violations of their fundamental rights due to the government’s failure to provide pension and terminal benefits. The case, presided over by Justice Avason Quinlan-Williams, centers on claims that the State breached the claimants’ rights to property, legal protection, and equality under sections 4(a) and 4(b) of the Constitution. The claimants, led by Andy Greaux, argue that despite serving as permanent staff within the VDF—a recognized formation of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF)—they were denied pension deductions and superannuation benefits afforded to other TTDF members. Attorney Arden Williams, representing the claimants, emphasized that the State’s failure to enact regulations governing the VDF has left generations of servicemen without pensions or terminal benefits, despite their equivalent duties and pay structure. Williams described the omission as “irrational, arbitrary neglect,” accusing the State of failing to act on repeated representations by the claimants. The State, represented by Mary Davis, countered that the VDF members are not entitled to superannuation benefits under the Defence (Pensions, Terminal and Other Grants) Regulations, as no deductions were made from their salaries into the Consolidated Fund. The State also argued that any unequal treatment is justified by statutory and administrative distinctions. Justice Quinlan-Williams has reserved judgment, which will be delivered on January 29.