Although unhappy over several long-standing grievances, correctional officers have decided that in the interest of Saint Lucia’s national security, they will seek further dialogue with the authorities to get redress.
The general membership of the Correctional Services Welfare Association adopted that position at an emergency meeting Wednesday.
Association Public Relations Officer Yasmin Peter said the meeting agreed to have the outstanding grievances settled amicably as soon as possible.
“Not at the moment,” was her response to whether the meeting gave an ultimatum.
“What we hope to do is either the Ministry engage us, or we engage them in dialogue,” Peter told St Lucia Times.
She explained that correctional officers were willing to continue being patient so as not to resort to any actions that would compromise Saint Lucia’s national security.
The Correctional Services Welfare Association spokeswoman said the organisation hoped that the patience of its members would bear fruit.
Correctional officers have disclosed that the outstanding issues they want the authorities to address include matters relating to staffing, equipment, and vehicle concessions.
Ms. Peter I hope you have spoken to your corrupt officers to stop the contraband of drugs and cell phones for the inmates.
Who feels it knowns it. What about members of the public who constantly come to the facility and send all sorts of illegal items including kerosene, knives etc into the facility endangering the lives of other inmates and staff. Give the officers a break stop looking for scapegoats. The same way there are corrupt person’s and more wickedness in higher places.