Health Minister Clarence Terceira has not gone far enough to address the concerns of the Island's prison officers who have threatened to take "further and more substantial industrial action.'' In a prepared statement, Lynn Hall president of the Prison Officers Association, said that Government needed to reassess its position.

And he said officers are meeting a more impatient and violent inmate which has resulted in many acts of violence toward staff, other inmates and visitors.

Moreover, he said the shortage of officers has made it difficult for the association's members to carry out their varied duties.

But Dr. Terceira said that Government has taken the officers' concerns seriously and will free up 16 positions through a combination of civilianisation and hiring nine more officers.

Dr. Terceira said that Government has sought to hire nine more officers and will place civilians in the laundry, as case workers and drivers.

This will free up five officers for regular duty in addition to the nine officers that will be hired.

"I hope to get them on board as soon as possible,'' he added. "But this is really just an interim relief of some of their concerns as regards staffing.

"But as soon as the Canadian consultant arrives in November the first thing that I will do is ask him to look at the entire issue of staffing.'' The Canadian consultant will be paid $188,000 over two years to overhaul the Prison Service.

Meanwhile Mr. Hall said that these moves will create more problems than they will solve.

"While we applaud the Minister for his swift action in addressing our concerns, this association can in no way accept this as being a solution to our security problems.'' And he added: "The Prison Officers Association in recent months has curiously listened while the Commissioner, the Minister and the Shadow Minister have all taken turns tossing the political prison football.

"It has finally become apparent that it is time for the real players of the game to pick up the ball...for our own benefit.'' Mr. Hall said that the Administration has let down the Association's membership because they have failed to provide leadership or support.

"Government seems to be content on spending out in excess of $500,000 in overtime per year, the equivalent of hiring 18 new basic officers.'' Other issues of concern include; Infrequent cell searches for drugs and weapons.

Breakdown of inmate discipline.

The non existence of an Emergency Response Team.

Officers not comfortable carrying out their duties due to insufficient staff.

Inmates unsuitable for an open environment being transferred to the Prison Farm.

Full segregation areas not staffed on a regular basis.

Up to 90 unlocked inmates at the Prison Farm supervised by only two officers at night.