The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service is making a line of demarcation to distinguish it from the Prison Officers Association, after the union body made criticisms against Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds. 

On Friday, a statement from the union, signed by its President Ceron Richards, made reference to the provisions of firearms for officers under threat while off duty, the repair of an alarm system at the Maximum Security Prison, in Golden Grove, Arouca and the failure to provide “basic necessities to effectively carry out our mandate.”

In a response on Sunday, the Prison Service said “The specifics of Mr. Richards’ concerns are noteworthy, and whilst he is empowered to represent the interest of the Association’s members, this must be done in a professional and fact-based manner, such as a simple request to meet with the Administration to address his concerns.”

“The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service refers to a press release published on July 01, 2022, by Mr. Ceron Richards, President of the Prison Officers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago, citing ‘No-Confidence’ in the Honourable Fitzgerald Hinds, Minister of National Security, and hereby advises that the views expressed by the President, do not reflect those of the Prison Administration.” it said.

The Prison Service said since being appointed as the Minister of National Security, “Mr. Hinds has made significant headway relative to the issues of the Prison Service. He has contributed to the notable increases in budgetary allocations which saw a 100% increase in medical expenses,  100% increase in vehicle maintenance, 220% increase in fuel and lubricants, 55% increase in building maintenance and 86% increase in food at institution for the fiscal period 2021/2022.”