Minister Tours Westgate Correctional Facility
Minister of National Security Michael Weeks joined Commissioner of Corrections Keeva Joell-Benjamin, her senior management team and the Prison Officer’s Association [POA] on a tour of the Westgate Correctional Facility on Friday [Oct 14].
A Government spokesperson said, “Minister Weeks has committed to visiting the departments under the remit of the Ministry, with the aim of listening to, discussing and inviting feedback on the critical matters that are affecting the sections of the uniformed services.
“During the Westgate tour, Minister Weeks was able to assess the corrections facility, which he acknowledged due to ageing, was faced with increased maintenance needs.
“Another important aspect of the visit was appreciating the challenges and concerns facing the inmate population, which can vary based on their age range. And Friday’s visit afforded Minister Weeks the opportunity to meet with the POA and the Inmate Association.”
Following the visit Minister Weeks said, “The personnel in our uniformed services departments work 24/7 to ensure that our borders, our community and our country remains safe and protected.
“We know the pressures they face on a daily basis, so it’s important for me to engage with each of these areas to listen and discuss matters that are important to them. Their wellbeing remains a priority for the Ministry. And it’s critical that their working environments are places where they can perform at their best.
“I’m grateful to the Commissioner and her team for the tour of the facility and I’m also grateful for the opportunity to sit down with the POA and Inmate Association and have candid discussions about the challenges faced by both staff and inmates at the corrections facilities.”
