After a two-year hiatus, the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) is preparing to convene its first court martial proceedings since 2022, centered on a years-old sexual misconduct allegation that lay dormant for months before being resurrected under a looming legal deadline.
The case, which stems from an incident that occurred nearly three years ago, centers on a reserve corporal accused of making unwanted sexual advances toward a female service member. The investigation was originally closed after initial evidence was collected, but went cold until the alleged victim threatened to file a formal legal suit against the TTDF, forcing the military leadership to reopen the inquiry.
Commodore Don Polo, Chief of Defence Staff, has formally approved an ordinary court martial for the accused service member. Proceedings are scheduled to kick off today at the TTDF Headquarters located in Chaguaramas. Legal timelines play a critical role in this case: under Section 128 of the national Defence Act, military court martials face a strict three-year limitation period for initiating disciplinary proceedings, meaning the current proceedings have been called just days before the window to bring the case would have expired permanently.
A structured judicial panel has been assembled to oversee the proceedings. Squadron Leader K Ramsingh will serve as the president of the court, with fellow panel members Squadron Leader S Chase and Captain D Sealey supporting the proceedings. Captain (N) ZM King has been appointed as Judge Advocate to preside over the conduct of the trial, while Captains B Francois and S Soodeensingh have been tapped to lead the prosecution. As of the opening of proceedings, the accused reservist has not yet entered a plea in response to the allegations against him.