PHILIPSBURG: --- Operations at Pointe Blanche Prison resumed on Sunday despite the limited staff available at the institution.
Prison Guards at Pointe Blanche Prison have been complaining for years that they have been working in deplorable conditions and that they are not being properly compensated.
Prison guards are among many justice workers who are awaiting their Landsbesluit (LB) from the Minister of Justice and adequate compensation for the services they provide.
In an invited comment, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling said on Sunday that the situation at Pointe Blanche Prison is at the top of her agenda and that it is her highest priority to find a workable solution for all while ensuring that safety and security at the institution are maintained.
When asked when the prison guards would receive their LB and proper compensation, the Minister of Justice said that each prison guard received their placement letters and that the LB was being worked on. Tackling explained that this is a long process, but she is working on it.
In the meantime, Tackling said that she has launched an investigation and will meet with all parties on Monday to determine exactly what transpired on Saturday. She said that the Director of the Prison, Steven Carty, is expected to provide her with a report on Monday morning.
SMN News asked the Minister what exactly she would do to provide more manpower to the prison since several of the prison guards are on medical leave. The Minister explained that her hands are tied since the guards are on medical leave, and she is not able to hire more staff to replace them. She said that she would be meeting with the management of KPSM on Monday to see if they can assist until a permanent solution is found.
