Dillon concerned over prison association's asylum request

Hours after members of the Prison Officers Association (POA) asked the Canadian High Commission for asylum in that country, Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon expressed concern over the move.

During a news broadcast on Thursday, Dillon said the gravity of the situation was cause for concern as the association should have consulted with the ministry before making any decision and said he intended to meet with the association on Tuesday to discuss their concerns.

A source told Newsday, officials from the Canadian High Commission are expected to liaise with the ministry sometime next week.

Newsday understands there have been reports of severe staff shortage at prisons after the shooting deaths of officers Richard Sandy and Glenford Gardener last month. President of the association Ceron Richards said while he has received reports of absenteeism, he was unable to say for certain how many officers have decided to stay away from work.

He also criticised Parliament for its silence. “What I will say is, the minister’s concern should not be on our visit to the Canadian High Commission, but rather on Parliament’s refusal to address the safety issues facing officers.”

Newsday also understands, because of the shortage of manpower, prisoners are being kept in their cells and their time in the yard is being kept to a minimum. Attempts were made to contact acting Prisons Commissioner William Alexander for comment but those attempts were unsuccessful.

According to a release issued from the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday afternoon, Canadian High Commissioner Carla Hogan Rufelds met Dr Keith Rowley yesterday. The release described the meeting as an opportunity to further discussions of cooperation between both nations.