Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has broken his silence over the murders of two prison officers this past week, pledging to “do everything possible” to protect prison officers and their families.

His statement came three days after prison officer Nigel Jones was shot and killed in broad daylight in Siparia- in front of his toddler daughter. Days before that attack another officer, Trevor Serette was gunned down in Valencia.

Both men were assigned to the Wayne Jackson Building at the Maximum Security Prison.

“We are very aware of the perils surrounding the duties of honest, hardworking Prison Officers and have taken note of the onslaught aimed at these officers of State,” the PM said.

“We will do everything possible to secure them and their families. It must be correctly assumed by all, that the Ministry of National Security will not surrender the nation’s prisons, and the State will continue without ceasing, to have Trinidad and Tobago remain a place where there is the rule of law and that there is adequate and effective law enforcement at every level so as to secure the peace and safety of all citizens,” he continued.

Dr. Rowley’s statement did not address a request made by the Prison Officers Association  on Tuesday for an urgent meeting with him.

At a media conference Tuesday morning, POA President Cerron Richards said they were alerted to an alleged plot by inmates to call hits on 13 prison officers before Christmas, if they were not relocated from the Wayne Jackson Building of the Maximum Security Prison.