4 Prisons officers stabbed

Reports revealed that about 11 am yesterday, 14 African prisoners awaiting deportation to their various countries were part of a group of prisoners who were allowed “airing” time.

At about 11 am, when the airing period was completed, the prisons officers instructed the prisoners to return to their cell block area.

Some of the Nigerian prisoners among the group began reacting violently towards the officers.

One prisoner charged towards the four prisons officers and, using a makeshift knife stabbed the four officers before he was restrained.

Other prisons officers rushed to the assistance of their colleagues and managed to bring the situation under control. The prisoners were ordered back to their cell block area, and the four injured officers were treated.

Officers of the Arouca Police Station were alerted. They visited the scene.

One prisoner was detained for questioning and charges are likely to be laid.

Prisons Commissioner John Rougier when contacted yesterday confirmed that the stabbings took place.

He added that he was concerned about the attacks on his officers, and said that all attempts are being made to deal with the situation.

Victor Salazar, Industrial Relations Officer of the Prisons Officers Association said yesterday that the method being used to discipline inmates needs to be reviewed.

He added that the problem of a manpower shortage was adversely affecting the way prisons officers were able to effectively deal with indiscipline.

“We are not satisfied about the arrangement with staffing, and the employer is not providing officers with a safe place of work at the Maximum Security Prison.

He aded that certain security concerns have not been put in place, and this was common to all the other prisons. “We have been advising officers since the earlier part of the year to work safe in light of the staff shortage and the attacks,” said Salazar.

Government is proposing to increase the manpower at the prison to 2,000 more officers by 2011.

In the short term 400 additional officers are expected to be added to the existing staff.