EDITOR, The Tribune.
The difficult working conditions at the Bahamas Department of Corrections absolutely deserve to be taken into account.
That strike yesterday is far deeper than a union mobilisation. Those officers cannot take it anymore; working in an increasingly unsafe environment, working overtime without pay, and other officers’ shift because of staffing shortages; this is ridiculous!
Yesterday, Senior Officer Whymns when asked the question, "Do you feel like you're being taking advantage of?" her response was, "Miss, we are being walked on." An officer of 31 years felt that deep.
The government is building, the government is doing groundbreaking, the government is opening bridges, but yet have not tabled anything for prison reform. This is not something that just happened, this has been like this far too long that governments fail to address.
It was terrifying to hear that officers transporting particular inmates, some with bounty's on their heads, breaking down in the road. What kind of nonsense is this? You supplied a COVID-19 ambassador team with almost 10 new cars, the Royal Bahamas Police Force with car upgrades, new government vehicles for senior officials; but have yet to release a slate of vehicles to the Department of Correction? This is why the people are feeling they are being walked on! They feel forgotten!
The officer was very right in her statement yesterday when she said this country sleeps at peace at night because of the correction officers. They play a vital role. And to have them striking poses a serious threat to our safety.
The jail that was designed to hold so many are now capacitated. But unfortunately, for our safety; how can the prison at this point refuse to accept the convict? Where else are they supposed to go?
This strike yesterday was far beyond pay. It was about safety, and officers have nothing to work with because just like those who occupy the jail cells, they have been thrown away and forgotten. How can this be okay? This is not!
I urge this Minister to establish a better working environment for these officers. The prison system we have here is a mess. We've upgraded to Corrections, and I'm not even sure that this is what is being instituted with such limited resources.
It is time to implement a strong prison reform that works for officers and inmates. Because not only do we need a new prison, we need a new prison culture. That is if we meant correction to rehabilitate these individuals. But at the same token, who is to do that when the persons designated are not happy? There's a saying, "happy wife, happy home." That goes for all workplaces. I believe once your employees are happy, they will effectively do their jobs.
I wish to remind the government the prison is a vital part of our safety for all communities. The lives of officers are very important. They are not animals, they are not dumb, or uneducated; many of them love what they do; they deserve to be treated fairly!
DR MATHEO SMITH
Nassau,
March 18, 2021.
Comments
themessenger 3 years ago
Dr Smith obviously either didn’t read or completely dismissed L Taylor’s letter written with a view from the other side of the window.
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