Prison officers call for investigation into colleague’s killing

PRESIDENT of the Prisons Officers Association Ceron Richards on Thursday called for a thorough investigation into the killing of a prison officer by police.

In a video recording shared on social media with officers, Richards called on Police Commissioner Gary Griffith, Prisons Commissioner Dennis Pulchan and the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) to investigate the shooting death of Joel Ramsundar.

Police reported that Ramsundar, a former soldier who became a prisons officer six years ago, was at home at John Street, Chaguanas when Gang Intelligence Unit officers from the Central Division went in search of guns and ammunition, and for acquaintances of a Venezuelan man they had previously arrested.

Police said they were shot at when they entered the house and returned fire, killing Ramsundar and Alejandro Gonzales. The shooting happened at about 4.30 pm on Wednesday. Police said two guns were found at the scene of the shooting, one of them the licensed one issued to Ramsundar.

Richards said the killing calls for a "serious investigation" that is both swift and transparent.

"It is very difficult for prisons officers today to have to go to work under serious circumstances and are meeting their demise in such a manner. You can imagine the type of morale, the type of motivation, the type of commitment that will follow these types of incidents."

Ramsundar was issued a service weapon after threats were made against him. He was relocated after his house was shot at a few years ago.

"Prisons officers, based on threats, are issued firearms for the protection of their lives and family. That's why this situation is troubling."

Ramsundar was last assigned to the Maximum Security Prison. After the threats on his life, he was transferred to the Remand Yard.

"As hurt and wounded as we are, we have to keep our heads high and soldier on. We will survive. We are a strong service and built with strong mettle. We have been experiencing this over the years and we understand not enough is being done to stop this from happening."

Richards said it is remarkable that officers were still giving their best. He added that it seemed no one was interested in helping, not by a lack of ideas but a lack of intent.

Prisons officers said Ramsundar was considering retiring and was building an apartment complex to replace his income as a prisons officer.