Sterling Stewart: Some POA issues not as serious as they make it

“Trust that the issues will be dealt with assiduously and most diligently if they are as serious as claimed,” Stewart told Newsday. He said the prison officers should have confidence in new Commissioner of Prisons William Alexander to do what is required.

Ceron Richards, the POA’s president, said the association is hopeful the safety concerns at the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca would be addressed.

“There has been failure with some of the gates and there is no alarm system at the prison,” Richards said.

“Officers are very concerned.” He said although the issues have been “on the table” for a while, the POA will remain “ever vigilant.” Richards also said some officers at the prison have gotten ill because of stress. He said the unsolved safety concerns have aroused an atmosphere of fear with the officers and their attendance and performance have been “undermined” as a result.

Calls made by Newsday to Alexander went unanswered yesterday.