The Barbados Prison Service concluded its 168th anniversary celebrations with a Staff Appreciation Day at Dodds Prison in St Philip, bringing together staff and members of the general public for a day focused on well-being and community engagement.
Superintendent of Prisons De Carlo Payne welcomed attendees to the event in the rural parish, emphasising the importance of health and wellness.
“We will take the opportunity to put this on the agenda to ensure that all the staff and some of the general public actually come and interact with us, share with the new technologies that are involved with this whole issue as it relates to health and wellness,” Payne said during his opening remarks.
The superintendent noted his commitment to the annual activities, highlighting the leadership’s dedication to staff welfare.
The Staff Appreciation Day served as the grand finale to a month-long series of events held throughout October under the theme Changing Lives, Building Communities. Earlier celebrations included a church service at Calvary Temple Community Church, a sports day, and a karaoke session, all aimed at fostering camaraderie and community spirit.
Prison officers had access to a comprehensive range of services designed to promote both physical and mental well-being. Self-care stations offered cosmetology services, eyelash touch-ups, and massages, while health screenings included breast examinations and blood tests. Representatives from the National HIV/AIDS Commission provided education about protection and preventive care.
Beyond health services, some participants engaged in an art class facilitated by Artist Made Barbados. Participants also had access to financial services, providing officers with resources to enhance various aspects of their lives.
The atmosphere remained festive throughout the day, with emcee Carl Padmore keeping things lively while a deejay provided musical entertainment.
The event underscored the prison service’s commitment to supporting its staff members holistically, recognising that officer well-being is essential to the institution’s mission of rehabilitation and community building.
