Minister Abrahams addresses presence of BDF and RBPF officers at HMP Dodds

In response to recent questions from members of the press and public regarding the presence of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) and the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) at Her Majesty’s Prison Dodds, I wish to confirm that this is part of the Government’s protocol in managing the situation at the prison.

Following the confirmation of two prison officers testing positive for COVID-19, we have commenced the testing of all officers and inmates who were present at the facility. As a means of due diligence during this testing process, some staff and officers have been quarantined, leading to a need for the reorganisation of shifts at the prison, pending results.

The deployment of the RBPF and the BDF is to supplement the shifts and security arrangements until normal service resumes.  To date, there have been no reports of incidents at the prison and the security at the prison is under control.

The integrity of the prison and the safety of its population is of paramount concern and all applicable resources will be utilised in this pursuit.

 

Wilfred Abrahams

Minister of Home Affairs, Information and Public Affairs