THE NATIONAL UNION of Public Workers (NUPW) says it is “outraged at statements made by the Acting Commissioner of Police in respect of illegal guns entering Barbados”.
In a media release today, the NUPW said it “considers the Commissioner’s statements to be inflammatory and without basis; and believe they will only serve to tarnish the reputations and integrity of all Customs Officers”.
During a media conference yesterday, Acting Commissioner Tyrone Griffith said illegal guns were entering Barbados through the ports of entry. He said officials were either assisting in the importation of guns or were not detecting them at the borders.
The NUPW contends officials should be identified and charged. The full statement follows:
“The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) is outraged at statements made by the Acting Commissioner of Police in respect of illegal guns entering Barbados.
If police intelligence suggests that these guns are coming through legitimate ports of entry then officials should be identified and charged for this illegal activity.
The Union considers the Commissioner’s statements to be inflammatory and without basis; and believe they will only serve to tarnish the reputations and integrity of all Customs Officers.
The NUPW had previously stated its concerns about the proposed transition of the Border Control Unit to the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA). This could result in a reduction of security at Port St Charles and Port Ferdinand which are also areas of concern to the Acting Commissioner of Police.
The NUPW takes the opportunity to again ask the Government of Barbados to rethink its decision to move the existing Border Control Unit to the BRA.” (PR/SAT)
