Minister Explains Appeal Of POA Ruling
“We are not disputing the GEHI or pay award aspect of the judgment,” Minister of National Security Wayne Caines said regarding last month’s Supreme Court ruling in favour of the Prison Officers Association, with the Minister explaining that they “are appealing other areas of the judgment that we view in law to be incorrect.”
A Government spokesperson said, “The Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne M. Caines, JP, MP, provided an update regarding last month’s Supreme Court ruling between the Prison Officers Association [POA] and the Labour Disputes Tribunal.
“The public will recall that the Ministry committed to reviewing the Supreme Court judgment in its entirety. And following a thorough review, the Minister advised that a Notice has been filed to appeal some points of law in the ruling.
“However to be clear, Minister Caines said that the Government is not appealing the GEHI aspect of the ruling. That ruling stands.”
Minister Caines said today, “Our aim is to move forward with the POA in a spirit of good will. We are not disputing the GEHI or pay award aspect of the judgment. But we are appealing other areas of the judgment that we view in law to be incorrect.
“As I have always stated, as the Minister with responsibility for the Department of Corrections, it is always my desire to find harmonious ways of dealing with and managing disputes.
“The Ministry will continue to work with the POA to address all matters of concern. We’ve had some success in some areas. And we will build upon that success by working with the POA to resolve any outstanding issues.”
