Prison officers calling in sick in numbers amid COVID outbreak at HMP

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HMP

Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) was left in a vulnerable position this week after several prison officers called in sick.

 

Jermaine Anthony, the Acting Prison Superintendent, said this was affecting the efficient management of the country’s lone penal facility.

 

“I don’t have the full figures in front of me, but I can hazard a guess to say that on a daily basis, five and six officers for the past week have been submitting medical certificates,” Anthony said on Wednesday.

 

He said the situation was affecting the prison “in regards to the efficiency,” and it was also “beginning to have a physical effect on those officers who are now  having to be working double-shift more frequently than they normally would.”

 

The matter was reportedly brought to the attention of Public Safety Minister Steadroy Benjamin. He was said to be working to resolve the issue.

 

“It’s just a matter of the powers-at-be getting a handle on it sooner rather than later, and we would be able to mitigate against any situation that would be considered a source for unrest within the prison,” the Acting prison boss assessed.

 

Thirty-two prisoners at HMP recently tested positive for COVID-19 and were isolated in a refurbished building.

 

The Acting Superintendent said they would be transferred to a quarantine facility currently under construction at the ABDF Crabbs Peninsular training area.

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1 COMMENT

  1. Is my memory failing me?
    Thought ag. Superintendent said Crabbs facility would be ready to receive prisioners today, having missed the Thursday deadline due to rain.

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