NASSAU, The Bahamas --- National Security and Immigration Minister the Hon. Orville Tommy Turnquest has assured Prison Officers that the government is committed to improving the pay and conditions of service at Her Majesty’s Prison.

He said the government will address a number of concerns at the prison including pay, promotions, living accommodations, tacklingrecidivism and rehabilitation of offenders.

The government will also build a new maximum security prison and convert the existing Fox Hill Prison, built in the 1950’s, to a medium security facility.

During a tour of the facility over weekend, Mr Turnquest was greeted with enthusiasm by Prison Superintendent Dr Elliston Rahming, senior officers and staff at the prison. He was presented with several gifts by the officers.

He then embarked on a private tour of the facility. Mr Turnquest was accompanied by Minister of State for Immigration Mrs Elma Campbel

“I have a passion for prison reform and reform of this prison must happen,” he said to applause. “I strongly believe that the process of reform should begin by taking care of the welfare issues of prison officers.

"If we take care of these issues first and show a commitment to resolving them in a timely manner, I am confident that we will have a spirited, inspired and enthusiastic officer corp, willing to work hard and willing to go the extra mile in bringing about true reform at the prison.”

Mr Turnquest, who earlier toured the Royal Bahamas and Defence Force base, said he was committed to the process to “review your salary scales and improve your terms and conditions of service, including your system of promotions and other benefits.”

“We will increase your numbers and ensure work schedules comport with employment regulations,” he added. “Your health and safety are important to us".

"We
are committed to ensuring that you are adequately provided with requisite safety equipment, including batons, vests, riot gear and lethal and non lethal assets.

As I indicated to the Police and Defence Forces, "I intend to give priority to resolving the matter of your medical insurance. I will also move to ensure that your health and medical facilities are properly staffed and outfitted.”

He said that in order to move the prison service forward a programme of training is needed to be developed that will equip and empower prison officers.

He said the government is committed to increasing the training opportunities at all levels.

Mr Turnquest was also concerned about living accommodations for prison officers, particularly single officer units.

“There is no reason for you to be living in squalid, sub-standard housing,” he said. “I intend to address this matter quickly."

“Deteriorating physical plant, infrastructural problems, severe overcrowding, out-dated sanitary practices and out-dated legislative and regulatory frameworks are just a few of the obvious challenges that confront us,” he said. “We are committed to modernizing this institution and we are committed to introducing additional modern methods of prison management.

"The move toward corrections will require a philosophical adjustment on the part of all stakeholders including officers and inmates. We are committed to this process.”

Prison Superintendent Dr Elliston Rahming welcomed Mr Turnquest and Mrs Campbell to the prison. To applause he said: “Minister, you have come to the finest, most hard-working agency within the criminal justice system.

"Yes, we have had our challenges and our missteps and yes we are understaffed, overworked and some say underappreciated.

“But I dare say, minus the few rotten apples, one could not find in any one place a group of public servants with a higher degree of dedication and patriotism.”

Source: bahamas.gov.bs