The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

NEARLY two-thirds of prison officers scheduled to work yesterday called in sick for the second day in a row, however Bahamas Prison Officers Association President Gregory Archer denied all reports of a “sick out” and claimed all officers not to work had “legitimate sick slips”.

Sergeant Archer suggested that officers are “sick and tired” as a result of poor working conditions at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Sgt Archer said that the complaints expressed by his association are not new. He insisted that the government has been made aware “over and over again” of the problems, but refuse to resolve the matter. He said that the longer these matters go unanswered, the longer officers will be unable to perform.

He said: “Minister (Keith) Bell has stated that he is unaware of any new issues. That statement would be true because we have no new issues. Everything that we are concerned about at this moment has already been made public to date.

“The Association has expressed our concerns a number of times on matters that are important. The working conditions at the prison are contrary to the agreement we signed and the laws of the Bahamas. The officers are sick, they are tired – it is impossible to work if you are sick or tired.”

State Minister of National Security Keith Bell said outside of a Cabinet meeting yesterday that the “sick-out” did not affect prison services.

“The issues outlined by the Prison Association are without merit and this issue did not stop the performance of the prison today,” he said.

He added: “The issues have been met and I am satisfied that my minister (Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage) and the commissioner (Department of Correctional Services Commissioner Patrick Wright) have done all they needed to resolve all outstanding issues.”

According to Sgt Archer, a number of structural issues at the Department of Correctional Services make it “hazardous” for officers to work.

He said: “We are tired of working in mould and rat infested conditions. There is no running water in some areas. In minimum security there are slabs of concrete falling from the ceiling. Over in maximum security the roof is still leaking.”

He added: “All of these issues were known before the government spent money to do repairs and these issues still persist.

“They treat us like we are dispensable. We work hard, every person that is apprehended by police and remanded by the courts we have to deal with. We are true patriots of this country, we should be treated as such.”

He said the prison officers are also upset because they are waiting for promotions.

“The police force got their promotions, so did the defence force, the fact that we are still waiting is totally disrespectful. Promotions are not our chief concern, but it is a concern.”

Sgt Archer indicated that more officers will call in sick “if need be” because according him “the job is stressful”.

“I expect things to get worse. You can’t do your job if you are sick or tired.”

In December, the Department of Correctional Services opened a new 40-unit dormitory complex and earlier this week, the department commissioned a new Security Intelligence Unit, both at the Fox Hill compound.