Short-term measures will be taken "immediately'' to solve some of prison officers' concerns about security and safety.

Social Services Minister Clarence Terceira announced this yesterday after a two-hour meeting with executive members of the Prisons Officers Association, Prisons Commissioner Edward Dyer, and Social Services Permanent Secretary Donald Scott.

The meeting came about after prison officers at Westgate Correctional Facility refused to escort prisoners to appointments outside of the facility earlier this week.

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

"The Prison Officers Association representatives were candid and forthright in their expression of concerns relating to staffing levels in the prison system, security of the prisons, and safety of prison officers,'' Dr. Terceira said after the meeting which he described as "a very good, responsible meeting''.

The Ministry intended to find solutions to allay prison officers' concerns, he added. And "immediate'' consideration was being given to short term solutions and long-term actions which could maintain "appropriate'' staffing levels.

"There was also agreement on interim measures which could be taken immediately to solve certain security and safety issues which were raised by the POA,'' Dr. Terceira also stated.

But he declined to comment on "specific details of the available options'' until his Cabinet colleagues have been informed.

POA officials could not be reached for comment yesterday.