Prison officers are considering further strike action as they become increasingly frustrated with the lack of service reform.

The Prison Officers Association membership voted unanimously not to support tomorrow's Caribbean & UK Overseas Territories Mutual Support Conference, complaining that domestic problems should take priority over international meetings.

And spokesman Russ Ford warned that 100 percent occupancy at Westgate was posing a security risk due to acute staff shortages. Grotto Bay Hotel is the venue for tomorrow's conference, where 25 delegates will discuss a variety of topics in relation to prison practice - but POA officials believe that hosting an event of this importance is wholly inappropriate given the current crisis in the service.

“We believe that conferences like this are important,” Mr. Ford told The Royal Gazette.

“But hosting it at this time is inappropriate. We are not able to embrace the goals and aims of such an event with all that is going on. “The planning, preparation, energy and finance used for this venture should have been used to address serious outstanding and current issues in the Department.”

Mr. Ford cited “all-time low morale”, record breaking staff resignations in 2003, limited training, lack of communication from senior management and inadequate security as the key problems facing the service. He also warned of possible problems at Westgate, due to the high occupancy rate and diminishing staffing levels.

“Where you have increasing inmates and less staff, problems are bound to happen,” he said. “Westgate is 100 percent occupied but staff levels there are falling. Our concern is for the safety of our staff and the safety of inmates.”

Prison officers went on strike at the end of April and into May to demand Prisons Commissioner John Prescod be sacked for his “autocratic” management style and alleged failure to carry our recommendations of a board of inquiry held in 2001.

And Mr. Ford refused to rule out further industrial action by association members who are keen to point out that a vote of no confidence remained in place against Mr. Prescod.

“We have been a very responsible, patient and mature association,” warned Mr. Ford.

“But our patience is wearing thin. Staff are getting very frustrated. We are not being taken seriously in relation to our discussions - what more can we do get the attention of the powers that be?

“We are not happy in terms of progress being made. It should be noted that Mr. Prescod has completed half of his three year contract and many issues remain unresolved. The review of Department (of Corrections) leadership which was initiated by Government to solve the strike is still pending.

“Correctional officers and civilian staff are feeling very frustrated and remain steadfast in their quest to see changes in the leadership.

“We are not saying removing Mr. Prescod would solve all the problems, but they are being added to by his lack of management style and his lack of movement on many issues.”

When asked if this would mean further strike action, Mr. Ford would only say: “We haven't ruled out any options.”

He also refused to be drawn on whether the POA would use this week's conference as the time to vent union disquiet but did say that overseas delegates “would be aware that not all is well”, by the time they left the Island.