BY SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

MORE than 50 prison officers demonstrated in front of Her Majesty's Prison yesterday morning blocking Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest from leaving the compound before speaking with them.

Mr Turnquest was at HMP for the launch of a new programme to address substance abuse. However, when he attempted to leave he met the officers in front of the gate demanding a meeting with him.

President of the Prison Officers Association (BPOA), Corporal Gregory Archer said the prison officers are at the end of their rope and are tired of having their issues overlooked by management.

"What we did was an act of solidarity. We have many issues that are not being addressed and we have had them for some time.

"The last straw was Wednesday when we had no running water all day. We have a sewer problem. The filth runs into the kitchen and it overflows into the female prison. The entire place is loaded with mould and infestation and no one is taking this seriously," he said.

"This is my second term as president.

"I have been dialoging with the Superintendent this entire time, it makes no sense.

"We have these repetitious meetings, but nothing is getting solved. We need some work to be done.

"That is why we met the Minister at the gate. He spoke with us and he promised to address our issues."

When asked what the next step would be, the BPOA Corporal said that they would have to "wait and see."

"Our voice is going to be heard one way or another. If the workers get sick they get sick. We will work according to the rules that govern us. We cannot strike so we won't, but stay tuned."

Minister Turnquest confirmed he met with the officers and said he will work on their issues.

"We have an understanding now. I know what their problems are and they can be resolved easily. They have numerous issues, but I have always had an open door policy with them. I am more than confident we can solve these issues," he said.

Last month, prison officers threatened to shut down HMP if the government does not move quickly to resolve their labour issues.

Speaking on behalf of prison officers, vice president of the National Trade Congress of Trade Unions of the Bahamas (NCTUB), Theresa Mortimer said the BPOA has 16 disputes with prison officials that have been continuing for months.

She said if the situation is not addressed and resolved urgently it could possibly lead to industrial action.