The Barbados Prison Service has come in for high praise for the great sacrifice and excellence which ensured that Government’s greatest fears were not realised when a COVID-19 outbreak occurred last year at Dodds Prisons.
That glowing tribute was made by Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams while delivering the feature address at the passing-out parade for 21 new prison officers – 17 men and four women – on Friday at the Dodds, St Philip facility.
He described the officers as true front-line heroes who, through their professionalism, patience and focus in a volatile setting, were able to control the outbreak by putting country ahead of personal comfort.
“Those officers gave excellent service, great dedication and personal sacrifice to see us, the Prison Service and the Government through what could have been a very difficult time. You came out with flying colours with the flag of the Barbados Prison Service flying high,” he said.
He cautioned the new officers to never confuse their role and to always seek to improve their skills and rank. He also said Government was continuing to look at parole and electronic monitoring to help reduce the prison population.
Superintendent of Prisons Lieutenant Colonel John Nurse told the new officers: “You are the first recruiting session to complete your training in a fully residential capacity here at Dodds and you have done so with a pandemic raging about you. To me, this demonstrates a mental capacity to remain focused and to work hard even while under pressure; to maintain a level of alertness, commitment and dedication, which are hallmarks of a prison officer, and the willingness to put professional calling before self to achieve your desired goals.”
Nicholi Cumberbatch was Best Recruit; Bret Rice was Best At Drill; Israel Simpson the Best At Physical Training while Nakita Dixon was Most Improved. (KB)
