The Ministry of National Security has confirmed that industrial action took place at the Westgate Correctional Facility today, adding that the Department of Corrections leadership continues to meet with the Prison Officers Association to address the concerns.

The ministry confirmed that among the issues raised was staff shortages at the facility. Timothy Seon, of the POA, told The Royal Gazette that there were also health, safety and security concerns that have resulted in a lack of staff.

A ministry spokesperson said: “Recruitment for corrections officers began in 2016. For the 15 posts to be filled at that time, 180 applications were received and, following a lengthy recruitment process, six candidates were selected and commenced employment on May 1, 2017. These new officers completed a five-week condensed training programme and were deployed to the facility immediately upon completion.

“Regrettably, a number of applicants were not successful in meeting some of the basic requirements for the post. In April 2017, the Corrections Department sought Cabinet approval to hire 20 corrections officers. That request was not approved. Since his appointment on 20 July, 2017, the Minister of National Security, Wayne M Caines has met with the senior team of the Department of Corrections and has indicated that he will renew the effort to deal with staff shortages at the earliest available opportunity. The Ministry considers the safety and wellbeing of Bermuda’s corrections officers is a priority, and it is hoped that a resolution can be reached for the benefit of all concerned.”

Mr Seon told The Royal Gazette: “The industrial action is concerning staff shortages and due to the staff shortages it is systemic to numerous other concerns in regards to the health and safety of the officers and security as well.”

Mr Seon said that he is due to meet with the management and would provide an update when it became available.

Prison officers at the facility took industrial action last September due to the same issues of staff shortage and its knock-on effects.