President of the Prison Officers’ Association Ceron Richards yesterday gave the Government “a failure” grade for not addressing its issues.
He bashed Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and his Cabinet, calling them “impotent,” while addressing the media opposite the Golden Grove Prison in Arouca.
“They are not doing their jobs and are wasting our time,” he said.
Richards was in the company of about 60 prisons officers who came out to show support after noon before heading to take up their shifts.
He said the association and its members had grown “increasingly frustrated and demotivated” and were left with no choice but to gather and let the country know what sort of support they were receiving.
“Today (Saturday) represents day six and not a single word coming from the Government as to how they intend to treat with this matter of safety and security for prisons officers on and even off duty,” he said.
He said the association would continue to host press conferences every two days to report on government’s “impotence” in dealing with their concerns.
Yesterday’s press conference was the third to be called since prisons officer Fitzalbert Victor was killed on Monday.
Some of what the association is calling for include the removal of officers in high risk areas, updating of legislation as it relates to safety and security, a law enforcement safety act and a housing policy.
Richards claimed the PM was approaching their concerns in an arrogant manner.
“If he is purporting arrogance, he came to the right place.
“This is a movement that has started and we will continue until the Prime Minister gets down to earth and come and treat with the issues as they are.”