Industrial Action, Meeting With Prison Officers
The Ministry of National Security said that as a result of today’s industrial action at the Westgate Correctional Facility, the Department of Corrections leadership “continues to meet with the Prison Officers Association to address the concerns.”
The Ministry also confirmed that among the issues raised was staff shortages at the facility.
A Ministry spokesperson noted, “Recruitment for corrections officers began in 2016.
“For the 15 posts to be filled at that time, 180 applications were received and following a lengthy recruitment process 6 candidates were selected and commenced employment on 1st May 2017. These new officers completed a 5 week condensed training programme and were deployed to the facility immediately upon completion.
“Regrettably a number of applicants were not successful in meeting some of the basic requirements for the post. In April 2017, the Corrections Department sought Cabinet approval to hire 20 corrections officers. That request was not approved.
“Since his appointment on 20th July 2017, the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne M. Caines has met with the senior team of the Department of Corrections and has indicated that he will renew the effort to deal with staff shortages at the earliest available opportunity.
“The Ministry considers the safety and well being of Bermuda’s corrections officers is a priority, and it is hoped that a resolution can be reached for the benefit of all concerned.”
This is just the start of what will escalate now the PLP are in. More Public employees which means more Government expense which will mean more debt as revenue cannot match any increase in expense.
The current discussions with IB to get them to pay increased taxes will only lead to less revenue, and less jobs. Local businesses are also struggling.
The PLP elite has not learnt, and their support base will soon learn and feel, that any promises made pre election to increase spending cannot and will not be met. The PLP have to exercise austerity for at least 4 years, if not the outcome will not be pretty.
In April 2017, the Corrections Department sought Cabinet approval (OBA) to hire 20 corrections officers. That request was not approved. And Michael Dunkley was the chairman of cabinet..
They were saving the money for the American Cup what a shame…that’s why they lost the election..so long bye bye!!!“.
Only 6 made the grade, the rest of the 180 applicants were not suitable was the issue.
So long bye bye? your one of the brainwashed.
And iam going to be brain wash for 5 years…so long bye bye OBA!!!!!!!
Just what we need. More public employees.
Recruitment began in 2016 and 6 of the applicants were goid enough. Amd now the PLP will lower standards so that the numbers look better.
So all this just started, P.L.P. are cleaning up de mess that was left by Only Buisness Associates.
The lack of money is 100% the PLP’s fault. They’re the ones who left us with $180 million in annual debt service. That’s an airport every 20 months that goes to outside investors who lent the government money.
You didn’t accept that argument before so don’t start using it now.
As long as the PLP keep moving us towards a balanced budget in two year’s time without taxing us to death to achieve it they may be surprised at the breadth of support they garner.
Why should a department continue to have to run understaffed for the next for years? That would mean stress on other staff working overtime including paying out for double time for the next four years. That don’t make any sense to me…
I have a suggestion keep them locked up 23 hours a day, give them 1 hour for rec and only let them out of their beautiful hotel rooms for the 3 square meals a day. After that LOCK them down. Also start to place 2 in a cell.
Other than that keep them locked up and torture them with CNN all day. Dam prison in Bermuda is like a summer day camp without the beach swim. That will keep them from repeating and going back.
I’d suggest that anyone sentenced to a term greater than 5 years is sent to one of the “vacation” resorts in Siberia with hard labour. No need for more corrections officers here and far cheaper. Others would maybe think before committing a crime if they were likely to join them, but if not it’s still cheaper.
What are the real issues?
Staff shortages isn’t a catchall phrase.
Tell us the taxpaying public what the skinny is…….
“The Ministry considers the safety and well being of Bermuda’s corrections officers is a priority, and it is hoped that a resolution can be reached for the benefit of all concerned.”
If you mean this PLP you have a chance to make corrections…pardon the pun
Not a catchall phrase it is what it is.I believe a prisons first priority should be security but how can you do that if you’re 20men/women short.It should tell you that people are working extra hours everyday how can you stay sharp of mind and body.The same young hoods/thugs you see terrorizing Bermuda are the same people prison officials deal with every day.I couldn’t see having these hoodlums in my face all day with their entitled attitudes.To all who say if you don’t like the job then quit well that’s half I the worlds working population if you think about it.Although they work in a prison,as the saying goes ,”I’ll walk in it ,I’ll shovel it ,but I shouldn’t have to take it.”
The Magic Wand from the plp-no industrial action and no mold in schools
I have it on good authority dat de inmates are going on strike in protest at de Prison Officers strike.
De weed growers union are said to backing this action.