Video: Prison Officers March On Cabinet

March 27, 2012

[Updated with video] Prison officers marched on Cabinet this morning [Mar.27] and presented a list of grievances to Premier Paula Cox and Attorney General Kim Wilson.

A press statement from the Prison Officers Association said they “continue to carry out their duties in the most professional manner despite not having the tools and resources to do so.”

“The men and women of the Bermuda Department of Corrections can no longer be the forgotten service. These men and women you see here today risk life and limb on a daily basis to serve their country. These men and women deserve the same respect as other civil servants.”

“They make greater sacrifices for their country then many can imagine. They have been charged to deal with a new breed of inmate, one who is more dangerous, they have been charged to deal with inmates who have gang affiliations…”

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  1. Prison Officers Association Holds Meeting | Bernews.com | July 27, 2012
  1. Question says:

    So are the guys up Westgate, Farm & Co-Ed running wild being the Prison Officers are marching & not at their post?

  2. Um Um Like says:

    Don’t certain corrections officers assist prisoners by smuggling weapons and drugs into the prison? There have also been reports of certain officers using the prison kitchen as their own grocery store, taking home food as they so desire. And how much do we pay these officers?!

    I understand their desire for a safe work environment, but if they were really concerned for their safety they should just quit their jobs. It’s a prison- of course it isn’t going to be safe!

  3. Convict says:

    I assume that the inmates were all on lock down.

  4. Cancer says:

    I bet these are the same grievances that stem back to when Ewart was premier and the officers marched on the house back then. These grievances still exist under this same government. People you need to know things will remain the same – they will not change under a PLP government – we need to make a change – the PLP must be voted out so businesses, workers and the common man can prosper under the One Bemuda Alliance. OBA will take us all the way into prosperity! Cancer knows!!

    • LaVerne Furbert says:

      Hey Cancer,

      Can you let us know the date and time that the Prison Officers “marched on the house” before today? I can’t remember that, but, I don’t follow industrial disturbances as much as you do.

      • Dee says:

        Don’t you work for the BIU Laverne? You say that you “don’t follow industrial disturbances as much as you do”. That’s like a stock broker saying they don’t follow the stock market. Wow your craziest comment yet!!!

  5. Serious Though says:

    West gate Hotel, getting worse!

  6. Really?? says:

    I wander what the workers at US Prisons such as San Quentin and Rikers Island would think of the work facilities at Westgate compared to what they have?

    Lets not even talk about pay…Heres an idea why dont we close westgate and send all the prisoners overseas which was once discussed as being a cheaper option??

  7. Really?? says:

    hahahahaha its all about money again, money money money thats all these Government Departments think of now? And to be honest i dont blame them the greed came from the top. The politicians of the current goverment got greedy so everyone else did…Bus strikes, possible prison strikes, dock worker strikes Tell you what Bermuda why dont we all just throw in the towel…

    Man the Lifeboats…

  8. bashi says:

    Ignorant people of Bermuda. Being all you that have commented. My husband did not attend the march as he had a shift to do today as for many others. The prisoners were well taken care of! As for the ignorant comment to quit their jobs due to lack of safety. Then if they all quit then who would do this sort of job? And further more how would they provide for their families?? It is a job!!! You can not take you workers for granted!!!! They have been put on the back burner for to long!!!

  9. bashi says:

    Oh and to um um. They don’t get paid enough l! They are workijgcwithout a contract for 3 years now. And trust me they have harsh punishments if anyone is bringing stuff in or taking stuff out of the facility. The majority of prison officers are hard working honest people. But if you know any different maybe you should then maybe you should single out the one who you are accusing instead of putting down all the help in keeping this country safe. Prisons and police go hand in hand. They should get the same respect!

    • Um Um Like says:

      Sure, nobody gets paid enough! But washing dishes or sweeping streets is safer than working in a prison. My point is that it’s a choice. If one doesn’t like what they do for a living then they should move on!

      By stating that “the majority of prison officers are hard working honest people” you acknowledge that some prison officers aren’t hard working honest people. So perhaps it’s you that should identify them… or would your husband then be out of a job?

      • bashi says:

        Sorry!! We have no idea of these people you supposedly do know of. all the officers I know are honest hard workers, but I don’t know them all. So like I said you should come out with those you claim are. Unfortunately washing dishes and scrubbing floors will not put food on our table, as for a loaf of bread is six dollars. I hope you understand that when you make these comments your talking about a husband and father who does risk his life when he goes into these unsafe conditions. And we all know the devastating affects it is for a child to grow up without a father. Hence all the issues we have on this island

        • Mayan says:

          I agree with you! Prison officers are under-appreciated. Every time there’s a conviction-especially for the serious crimes we’ve seen lately- and I see the officers taking the prisoners off, I think of how the officers now have to deal with these psychopaths for years going forward. The public are just glad to have them off the street-and rightfully so-but don’t think of the hard work the prison officers are now faced with. Don’t even talk about the added problem of deling with rival gang members in there…

          Our officers need respect and to be kept safe. It’s up to TPTB to make that happen. It’s not rocket science to figure out how to make things better so why should the officers be forced to take this step? Those in control should be ashamed.

          These officers have families to come home to every day. What are we waiting for-one of them to be killed in the line of duty before this issue is taken seriously? Anyone who criticizes these officers for the action they were FORCED to take should be ashamed. Let them go spend a day up at Westgate (walk in their shoes) and see if they feel the same way. In fact, I suggest that Premier Cox go and spend a day up there to see what these brave officers go through every day!

  10. rick ross says:

    every jail has contraband, the department of corrections is far from perfect but people dont fully understand what officers experience in 21 years of service. just the mental stress of going to a prison everyday to work is bad. We also have to deal with constant threats of our lives and family, bermuda is very small and is not hard to find where someone stays. per week packages are getting thrown over the wall with drugs and weapons like knives just immagine when a gun comes over the wall. Police arrest them and we have to deal with them daily after. If a person think we are overpaid why dont you join see if you could last a 21 year life sentence.

  11. Dee says:

    I agree with you Bashi. Some people are going to make ignorant comments when they don’t have a clue. Prison Officers are dealing with a totally different breed of criminal these days. What are they going to work protected with…an asp and some cuffs? These gang bangers know how easy it is to throw stuff over the gate. Like somebody said, what happens when an officer comes face to face with a loaded weapon pointed at him? It is a real possibility and are the powers that be going to wait til something happens to take these issues seriously? For starters, they need armed guards posted at a strategic post. Some will say that is going to far, but it is a maximum security prison after all. Maybe people will think twice about throwing stuff over the walls if they have a big bullseye painted on their back! All in all, I know from a personal prospective that officers have been frustrated for YEARS and have been patiently waiting with no end in sight. Now its known that they mean business and I sincerely hope that their concerns are addressed…..

  12. Dee says:

    I agree with you Bashi. Some people are going to make ignorant comments when they don’t have a clue. Prison Officers are dealing with a totally different breed of criminal these days. What are they going to work protected with…an asp and some cuffs? These gang bangers know how easy it is to throw stuff over the gate. Like somebody said, what happens when an officer comes face to face with a loaded weapon pointed at him? It is a real possibility and are the powers that be going to wait til something happens to take these issues seriously? For starters, they need armed guards posted at a strategic post. Some will say that is going too far, but it is a maximum security prison after all. Maybe people will think twice about throwing stuff over the walls if they have a big bullseye painted on their back! All in all, I know from a personal prospective that officers have been frustrated for YEARS and have been patiently waiting with no end in sight. Now its known that they mean business and I sincerely hope that their concerns are addressed…..

    • Mayan says:

      EXACTLY-why not have armed guards there? That’s the first thing you see at a maximum security prison overseas. They actually have guard towers with ARMED GUARDS in them, and if any shady stuff goes down, somebody is going to be shot.

      Sadly,it HAS come to this…

  13. Nuff Said says:

    GOOD JOB- WELL SAID! The spokesmen for the POA- Spoke very VERY well. I applaud his candid speech and thought he really spoke from the heart… really well done.

    It’s more than I can say for Premier Cox: Really, could you look more uninterested. These people look after people we don’t want to on a daily basis. The least you can do is listen! (PLEASE listen to the video)-’Do you have to read it all’comment. SORRY, Ms.Cox you are being paid how much of our money?

    Ms.Wilson seems like she will try to do something however sorry to say ‘if she is ALLOWED’.

    PLEASE ALL- Watch this video. SEE this: This is not my impression: IT’S there for the viewing. She was not happy to be there, nor was she interested in hearing any of our people in front of her talk.

    Lets do all ourselves a favor and try something new…..Do not vote her or this government back in because all we will get is more of the same.. EB#2- “oh, we had to lie to you”…….

    Do you think we are stupid

    • jan brown says:

      I noticed that as well, she seemed agitated and ” I think they want hear you,” when he was shaking hands, and then her comment was quite rude as well.

      Time for a change of this elitist government.

    • Roskfish#1 and #2 says:

      @ Nuff Said,

      After baffling those persons in the Caymans last week with BS, she may be worried abour her image.

  14. Bermudadude says:

    “They make greater sacrifices for their country then many can imagine.”

    TYPO: THAN

  15. Dee says:

    * Meant to say going too far…

  16. M.T. Pockets says:

    Promises have been made for many years but little has been done to improve security, particularly at Westgate. There is a need for more officers without a doubt but in the meantime Govt needs to recognize that there is a new breed of inmate now, young men with no conscience and no hesitation to use violence. Men who will do anything necessary to get what they want. That’s what got them into jail and believe me they, for the most part, do not change after they are processed through intake and housed. Changing times requires changing attitudes. The officers have tried “doing more with less” but that has it’s limits, now the officers need more to do more. Nothing else will do! For those who think the officers are lazy or should consider themselves lucky to have a job should try the job of a corrections officer for a few years, that will sort out the men from the boys!

  17. Dee says:

    @ Nuff Said….I had the exact same impression!! The Premier showed how totally uninterested she was by her comment “Do you have to read it all?” Maybe she had a breakfast date she was in a hurry to attend….Can’t miss that can we???

  18. Just wondering says:

    First I would like to say that I do appreciate the work that the Corrections Officers do, I would imagine that it is a very difficult job to do day in and day out. And know how budgets have been cut and the fact the prisons world over are usually understaffed I’m sure does not make this job easier.

    That being said are there patrols? Do they sweep the yard before the prisoners are let out into the yard? Do they ‘randomly’ or not so randomly search prisoners coming in from the yard? The talk about things being tossed over the fence, so why not have patrols along the fences? Even if it is just two guards walking in opposite directions, even if this didn’t deter people from tossing things over would it not make it easier to lock the yard down and collect the contraband?

    I know that this a rather simple view on what’s going on there but this is what I am wondering from my limited view of the situation.

    • Dee says:

      If gangsters were throwing objects over the walls of the Premier’s residence this would have been resolved immediately! The prison service is working with limited staff and resources. There is only so much the officers can do as their hands are tied in many respects…it’s time to bring out the big guns no pun intended…

  19. Cancer says:

    The fact that the premier is so uninterested just shows she is not tuned in and cannot relate to the ordinary worker or citizen in Bermuda! Best she just says silent because when she speaks no one knows what’s she’s talking about anyway.

  20. know yur place says:

    I will not vote PLP, I may not vote at all, they have good things to say when they get in, but afterwards they forget who voted them in. For the officers that’s there own fault as they are out partying with the same inmates or helping them.

  21. Dee says:

    @ Know yur place…By the way…the word “yur” has an “o” in it. If you’re not too smart then use a dictionary before you start writing….If you’re going to post here PLEASE speak proper english….I literally cringe every time I read what you have to say…Save the mumbo jumbo for when you chat with YOUR friends that understand YOUR gutter language!!!

    • know yur place says:

      @Dee don’t tell me how to write , ok I have a right too…so go f u understand that

      • Diction says:

        Why can’t we get along? Am I going to ignore someone who says, “Wach it bye deres a hole doun dere.” because that person did not speak ‘Proper’ English?

        • VJ says:

          If you read their previous posts you would see they use swear words. Last week a swear word slipped through on their post. Its disgusting and I think that was Dee’s point.

        • Mayan says:

          I personally disregard posts where the poster is too lazy to write words out properly. It shows a lack of intelligence so I know their point will be equally unintelligent…

      • bashi says:

        Also their not there. Their: belonging to them. There: over there

  22. smh says:

    @ um um your just an ignorant person!!!!!!!!!!! you prob dont even have a dam job, so if you dont have anything positive to say dont say it @ all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  23. goodness sake says:

    THESE MEN AND WOMEN NEED TO BE TAKEN SERIOUS FOR THE JOB THEY PERFORM, YOU CAN BE VERY SURE UNDER THE UBP THIS ISSUE WOULD GO INTO MELT DOWN. POLITICS ASIDE THEY DEAL WITH THE UNDERARM OF SOCIETY AND SHOULD BE RESPECTED. HOPE IT NOT JUST ABOUT MONEY!

  24. Shit Happens says:

    I personally know of an officer that was their that had the respect from all those hard prisoners up wesgate. He even said the officers up westgate are afraid of the inmates up their thats why they can do what they want. He would take anything from them with no hessel and today still has officers asking him to come back.

  25. Dee says:

    @ Know yur place…I have no desire to engage in a tit-for-tat posting war with you. By your grammar and use of profanity in previous posts it’s quite clear that you’re an illiterate low life…somewhat educated people don’t have to resort to swearing to get their point across! By the way, I rather enjoy the little activity you suggested that I go do….so put THAT in your pipe and smoke it!!!

    • know yur place says:

      @Dee let me tell you, it shouldn’t make a different how I talk ok, I’m not a low life like you, I’m well educated Masters ok and going higher, so don’t worry about me, that’s what’s wrong with you Bermudian you worry to much about the next person and try to put them down, and you are not any better. You should get a life I have one!

      • Dee says:

        Masters Degree? In P5 I knew the DIFFERENCE between DIFFERENT and DIFFERENCE and TO and TOO. Did you BUY that degree of yours?!!!

        • bermuda is another world says:

          Well if your P5, Stay in your place…you need to get a life because your always on Bernews in someone bussiness

          • Dee says:

            @Bermuda is another world…If you’re going to sign in under another name at least use ANOTHER email address. I can tell by the icons that you are the same person as know yur place!!! I may not have a Master’s degree but I have the power of observation!!!

            • Mayan says:

              LOL. ‘Know yur place’ claims to have a Masters-which I in no way believe-yet doesn’t notice that each poster has their own avatar?

              He/she clearly is not an intelligent person. No well educated person speaks//writes like that. Also, judging from his/her lack of maturity, they’re some young punk who still has some serious growing up to do.

              BTW ‘bermuda is another world/know yur place’, educated people know the difference between your and you’re.

  26. Tammy says:

    You are still waiting for certain concerns to be dealt with from 2001, ridiculous!
    What is your management doing? The Westgate boss or management team should all be fired!

  27. Mountbatten says:

    The state babysits the officers and inmates alike . Cloths , food and transportation are provided for all . These officers are a bunch of bloody wimps . Instead of going down to Cayman to talk a load of crap , the Overseas Territories should have been discussing how we could help each other in real internal security , instead we go down there like the Massive I AM , DREB and Mrs. Cox , talking about past glories , and perceived injustices done by Britain .

    • bashi says:

      Oh yes that’s why it costs us the same amount of money as you for groceries, clothes and transportation! Where did you here that crap??? I wish hahaha!! Your joking right??

  28. Stephen Swan says:

    I agree Tammy, you have cell phones, drugs and weapons coming over the wall, coming in from certain officers, the Prison Commissioner needs to remove or fire the person running Westgate or any other managers, surely they are not doing their job. What can governemet do? All prisons have weapons, drugs and cell phones in them. It is the person who is running Westgate job to manage it! Don’t these people watch these prison shows, have a team just for searching and bust the prison daily. it is not rocket science!

  29. Stephen Swan says:

    Mountbatten, how is this the governments fault? I know someone that has visisted someone in Westgate and they were not even searched at the entrance. There was no dog or anything. So is that governemnets fault? No, its the person that is running Westgate. Obviously they are getting paid to do a job they can’t do. They say Officers are bringing in things, is that governments job to fix? No, thats the person that is running Westgate. I say he or she should be removed or fired, I am sure all Prisons have stuff in them. Government needs to tell them all to do their job or fire them all.

    • Tolerate says:

      I think to say it’s not Governments fault is a cope out. Yes, I can agree that day to day operations is obvious the responsibility of the individuals that work in the Corrections field and should be supervised at the highest level by the Commissioner of Corrections.
      However when a march on Government is carried out, it is due to issues at a HIGHER level. From Mr. Clarke’s speech; he has said Government has had enough time to deal with issues raised from 2001.
      At NO time was it mentioned, the POA has been asking for the Commissioner of Prisons to be fired since 2001, so I have to believe the issues are of another nature.
      Let’s not make assumptions we know nothing about, but focus on the fact that this vital Department of government still have issues going on for a decade?
      THIS IS WHAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED; AND WHY IT HAS TAKEN SO LONG??????
      Our Government is in election mode, going around bragging about all they have done, while their supporters condemn any-one speaking against them. Whether is the OBA, UBP, RG; it’s the same story. “Scare mongering and out to get us?”
      I praise the POA for coming out at this time as most would wait until after the looming election has taken place so as not to embarrass the current government. Does this mean the POA are anti -PLP like the RG?
      Once again, shoot the messenger… Probably why so many comments on here are attacking the Correction Officers instead of focusing on the poorly handled situation by Government.

  30. Truth is killin' me... says:

    Eddie Lambe needs to go. He has the same mentallity as Madame Premier. Picking up a pay check/checks. Listen to the people dammit! As for Mr. Clarke. I respect you and your speech was well spoken. I pray you get what you need to do you job properly.

  31. Winnie says:

    I for one certainly don’t know what is going on in our penal system. However Craig has been going on about whatever their grouses are for a while, as he mentioned some recomendations were made since 2001 and were not implemented, what is it now 2012? Too often we spend a lot of money for studies and after the studies are concluded the end result is nothing done, why bother in the first place then. As for people throwing stuff over the walls that can de dealt with eaisily, place nets going around the perimeter from the top of the wall up or erect one of thoes manned boxes over looking the yard and the exterior of the perimeter wall, along with some CCTVs. As for what Madam Premier said….aww well

  32. Shocked and Appaled says:

    After reading the many comments posted on this blog I am shocked and appalled by the lack of respect and total disregard for our fellow brothers and sisters. My BF is a prison officer and yes he knew what type of job he was getting himself into and yes he also took the job so that he may better support himself and family. These men and women go to work everyday armed with only a duress that in most cases does not work and a billy club and are charged with the task of coming face to face with people whom most of you wont dare make eye contact with. I’m not trying to cover up any corruption that may be taking place in the prison system but then again what system isn’t flawed. The police arrest these felons the judge and jury sentence them and prison officers “babysit” them and have to deal with every mood swing, every mental break as well as trying to keep the gangs from killing each other. I command and respect them for the profession they have chosen and I don’t think it’s too much to ask that better security measures be taken so that the prison officers are able to better perform their duties.

    • Dee says:

      Well said! It’s so easy for people to sit behind their computer and put a negative twist on this. Like you said, who wants to come face to face with a (violent) criminal and these officers have to face dozens of them DAILY!!! Yes they chose their profession, but how many of you could handle the stress without cracking? It’s a tough job and instead of criticizing and making unfounded accusations how about giving these officers our support in making their work environment healthy and safe….

  33. Tolerate says:

    @Truth is killin’ me,
    You may be right. However there are so many unknowns with this situation. Mr. Lambe is employed by Government to run the Prisons in the capacity as Commissioner. I’m sure Mr. Lambe has had sit downs with the POA on numerous occasions. As most jobs; the employee and boss occasionally butt heads. This situation seems to go higher than what can be authorized by the commissioner. Why so long to address.
    Hope you request for Mr. Lambe to be dismissed, doesn’t result in him being the fall guy for Governments short comings. After all, even the commissioner has to answer to a higher entity.

  34. Truth is killin' me... says:

    Well if that is the case Tolerate…this Geovernment has to go.