Prison officers thanked for going above and beyond during tough times

Officers of Her Majesty’s Prisons Dodds have been highly commended for the way they have executed their duties in light of the challenges faced there due to COVID-19.

Minister of Home Affairs, Wilfred Abrahams, and Superintendent of Prisons, Lieutenant Colonel John Nurse, showered this praise on the officers. They both spoke during a recently held press conference at the prison.

In Saturday’s update, health officials revealed there are 343 confirmed COVID-19 cases at the prison. This figure comprises 85 members of staff (51 males and 34 females) and 258 male inmates.

Stating they “have gone through a very difficult time at the prison over the last 14 or 15 days”, Abrahams expressed his gratitude to the officers who have reported for duty.

“For those officers who were here for 15 days straight, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. The Prime Minister did it…but I also want to reinforce and emphasise our thanks. The sacrifice that you made in performing your duties and your job under what must have been very trying circumstances is fully appreciated.”

He further stated, “For all who have played their part, put their hand up and said I answer the call of duty and who have supported the prison, the government, the inmates in the prison and the people of Barbados in this most critical time, verbal thanks is not enough and we are going to make things right by you.”

Sharing similar sentiments, Superintendent of Prisons, Lt. Col. John Nurse, who said the vast majority of prison officers were on the job after leaving quarantine when they tested negative for COVID-19, also thanked his staff for the work they have done over the past days to keep the situation at the penal institution under control.

“Quite a number of us, 102 I think the number was, who did yeomen service for the first 15 days and did so in a way that was extremely commendable. We now have another 70 who were in quarantine who have come out and likewise are producing a fantastic amount of work – sanitising, caring and treating to the prisoners, making sure that they are properly fed and so on.”

The Superintendent said he felt “very proud to be associated with these types of persons and I too would like to join the Minster in thanking them from the bottom of my heart. Not only as their Superintendent, but as a human being for the type of dedication to duty, the type of camaraderie and bravery that they have demonstrated and I feel proud to be their Superintendent of Prisons”.

Though not giving a figure, Nurse did say some officers “have not returned” to work, “some have produced sick leave certificates”.

(MG)