Plans to immediately axe all three top managers of the prison service have sparked alarm among the officers' union.

Prison Officers Association (POA) chairman Mike Tuzo said the officers were glad Commissioner John Prescod was going but they believe sacking both his deputies now could weaken the organisation.

"We are concerned all three might go at this time," said Mr. Tuzo. "It would not be the best thing for the service."

It is understood prison officers favour Assistant Commissioner Randall Woolridge over Assistant Commissioner Marvin Trott, for the time being, but the union ultimately wants new heads running the service.

The plan to fire all three prison leaders was drawn up by an independent Government-appointed review body, headed by Rev. Goodwin Smith, which was set up after an industrial action by prison officers.

Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton said he would probably make a decision by the end of the month on what action to take, although, he agreed an early decision would be best for the service.

He said the POA had met with Government last Thursday to voice its concerns.

Mr. Tuzo said he was unsure what the Minister would do.

"I don't know if the Minister will go with any or all or none," he said of the three prison managers whose jobs hang in the balance.

The review recommended Commissioner John Prescod have his contract terminated early. His three-year contract expires in May next year.

Mr. Tuzo welcomed that recommendation: "That was one reason we were out last year."

During a four-day strike last year, the POA said Mr. Prescod was arrogant, autocratic and had failed to implement 23 out of 35 recommendations of a 2001 Board of Inquiry.

The review also recommended that an outside organisation help fill the posts of Commissioner and the Assistant Commissioners on a fixed-term consultancy basis.

Mr. Tuzo revealed that the POA had hooked up with Bermuda-based consultants, Omni, to discuss how succession planning could be implemented.

He said: "The association did meet with an outside consultancy in December, in particular, for them to come in and identify persons (to) get the succession plan up and running. They had an agreement with the association.

"They had gone back to Government and presented (the plan) but Government delayed the process.

"They were looking at starting in March or April. We had signed off on it but I don't think the consultants we sat down with are going to be put in place.

"But we were quite happy with what we heard there."

Mr. Tuzo said he didn't know who Government had lined up instead.

He said the lack of succession planning has always been a major issue for the association.

"We have always said it should have started years ago in identifying people and getting them trained, even pre-Prescod."

The report also called for teams of people to look at critical areas comprising of prison staff, retired prison staff, the private sector and other government departments.

Mr. Tuzo said: "If the expertise is there to get this department up and running efficiently and effectively, then we have no problem with outside people or retired officers to ensure we are all on the same page and moving forward."