Ian Haylock Challenges Estelle Leslie’s Appointment as Customs Comptroller

Ian Haylock

The appointment of Deputy Comptroller of Customs Estelle Leslie to the highest office within the Customs and Excise Department hasn’t been without its share of controversy. Leslie, who succeeds Colin Griffith as Comptroller of Customs, was selected by the Briceño administration in a process that also saw senior customs officer Ian Haylock applying for the post. Leslie and Haylock have been with the department since 1989 when they both enlisted in the public service. It is Haylock’s position, however, that he was passed over in favor of Leslie. He maintains that he has seniority, as well qualifications over his former colleague and as a result has filed a claim before the Supreme Court to challenge the selection process via judicial review. The suit is being brought against the Prime Minister and Attorney General’s ministries and filed on Haylock’s behalf by former Prime Minister Dean Barrow and former Senate President Darrell Bradley. On Monday, a preliminary session was held virtually during which Senior Counsel Andrew Marshalleck appeared on Leslie’s behalf. The matter resumes on Wednesday.