WHAT ABOUT US? The cry from prison wardens who feel “hurt” to see Barbados Defence Force (BDF) officers receiving medals and praise for their role in the Glendairy Prisons fire set by inmates in March 2005.
Two Saturdays ago at BDF headquarters, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and Superintendent of Prisons John Nurse took part in the ceremony where 565 medals were given to soldiers, including 29 for meritorious service.
The Prime Minister highly commended the soldiers and said they had “contributed immeasurably to establishing and restoring a peaceful environment”.
But several prison officers, including Prison Officers Association president David Connell, are questioning why the soldiers were the only group singled out, when the warders, fire officers and police all contributed to keeping peace and order at the jail.
“Prison officers were really hurt when they saw the story and pictures of the soldiers receiving individual medals,” one angry warder told the SUNDAY?SUN. “We are not saying that they do not deserve to be recognized; but what about us?”
The warder said that during the turmoil inmates were also attacking prison officers.
“We were the ones who kept all the prisoners in check, and many of us spent weeks at the temporary prisons in St Philip and St Lucy, without going home to our families.
“Yes, the soldiers were there with their guns, providing security and making sure that no one escaped; but we were the ones who were keeping direct control of the inmates. We were the ones who put our lives at risk to restore order,” he added.
“I saw fire officers put their lives on the line to fight that fire at Glendairy,” another warder said, “and it was not easy getting it under control. The police also had more direct contact with the inmates than the soldiers.”
But while the warders feel unappreciated, they do not intend to let their emotions get in the way of their duties.
“We are professionals and we will continue to do what we have to do to ensure that this country is safe and Barbadians can sleep well at night.”
Prison Officers Association president Connell, when reached, said several of his colleagues had come to him, expressing their disappointment.
“I have a concern about it. I believe the soldiers should be recognized, but so too the prison officers and the fire officers who put their lives on the line.
“However, in all fairness, I want to discuss this situation with management and the authorities before making any further comment to see if it was an oversight,” he said.
