PARAMARIBO, Suriname – More than 500 prison guards have gone on strike in protest at the slow pace of implementing agreements reached with the Suriname government.
The guards, at three correctional centers took the action after an ultimatum to the government expired last week Friday. The guards, represented by the Prison Guards Union (PSU), voted to continue their strike action until Wednesday and have warned that they could continue their action after talks with the authorities fail to produce any settlement.
PSU president Gustaaf Gallant said talks with the government over the past few weeks have been unproductive.
The prison guards are also said to be upset at a decision by the authorities to give to another group, a parcel of land at the Santo Boma Prison to establish facilities to implement rehabilitation programs for inmates.
The correctional officers also want a restructuring of the existing service and the payment of allowances that are long overdue.
Justice and Police Minister Martin Misiedjan told a news conference that 50 per cent of the outstanding issues had already been resolved, a claim which is being rejected by Gallant. (CMC)
