that they were trying to alleviate problems in the prison service.

And Mr. Bascome said he wanted an explanation for Government's "lack of action in initiating recommendations'' made in British Judge Stephen Tumim's review of the Island's judicial system. In a prepared statement, Mr. Bascome pointed out that he has challenged Social Services Minister Clarence Terceira, as long ago as May, on overcrowding and the security and safety of prison officers.

But he noted that Dr. Terceira -- in the House of Assembly -- had denied there was a problem.

Earlier this month prison officers at Westgate Correctional Facility in Dockyard, in protest over several outstanding issues, refused to escort prisoners to appointments outside of the prison.

And while the Prison Officers Association and Dr. Terceira refused to disclose specific reasons for the protest action, the Minister confirmed that they were linked to staffing levels, prison security and officers' safety.

Dr. Terceira, after a meeting with POA representatives last week, said his Ministry intended to find solutions to allay prison officers' concerns.

Immediate consideration was being given to short-term solutions and long-terms actions which could maintain "appropriate'' staffing levels, he added.

But Dr. Terceira declined to disclose the solutions until he had discussed them with his Cabinet colleagues.

The Minister has stated options to alleviate the stressful conditions which prison officers worked under.

Mr. Bascome, however, noted that three years ago -- when prison officers converged on the House of Assembly -- he informed then Social Services Minister Quinton Edness of "the same problems''.

Mr. Bascome also noted that the 1997/98 Budget did not allow for the operation of a long-awaited halfway house for offenders.

"The public should not be blamed for Government's lack of planning as happened when the (Deputy) Premier referred to the Not In My Backyard Syndrome as the reason why the halfway house (for drug addicts) had not been set up as promised,'' he said.

"The development of a halfway house within the community must be combined with educating the public on its benefits and structured programmes.'' Neither Dr. Terceira nor a representative of the POA could be reached for comment yesterday.

GOVERNMENT GVT