Approximately 102 prison officers were praised again for giving yeomen service to their country and for remaining onsite at Her Majesty’s Prisons Dodds over the last 15 days, as the penal institution experienced an outbreak of COVID-19.
Minister of Home Affairs, Information and Public Affairs, Wilfred Abrahams, has joined with Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Cabinet in applauding the prison officers for their commitment and dedication, during what he termed as “a most critical time”.
“Verbal thanks are not enough, and we will make things right by you,” the Minister indicated, as he addressed a press conference to give an update on conditions at the St Philip facility yesterday.
“The sacrifice of these brave officers, who are heroes in Barbados. It was not easy, and the sacrifice has been registered. It has been noted, and it is fully appreciated by myself, the Prime Minister and the rest of the Government of Barbados,” Abrahams said.
He noted that the last 15 days at the prison were “very difficult”, as the prison found itself in an emergency situation, resulting in decisions being made to reflect the severity of what was happening.
The Minister said he visited the prison and met with those who were on site for the last 15 days, and some who were recently released from quarantine and had resumed their duties, and was able to address a number of their concerns.
Meanwhile, it was noted that a significant number of prison officers who were in quarantine had received negative test results, and the “vast majority” had returned to work at the prison. However, some have submitted sick certificates.
