By the close of business today, all Prison Officers should have received their long-awaited payment, representing the monies owed for extended hours worked during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During that period, Prison Officers – classified as essential workers – reported for duty daily under immense pressure and personal risk, and were mandated to work 12-hour shifts, far exceeding the standard 7–8-hour workday.
Although delayed, the Ministries of Finance and Public Service collaborated with the Ministry of Home Affairs to resolve this issue responsibly, working diligently through a manual process as the government continues to streamline its digital financial operations.
The Ministry of Home Affairs sincerely apologises to all Prison Officers for the delay in receiving the payment rightfully owed to them for their extraordinary service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We recognise the frustration and hardship that this postponement may have caused, especially given the immense sacrifices the Officers made when the nation needed them most.
