Concerns raised by prison officers over the “unsafe” conditions they have to work in are being ignored by the Government, the Opposition has said.

Michael Dunkley, the shadow national security minister, suggested the Government did not care about what was happening at the Westgate Correctional Facility.

The comments came after Timothy Seon, chairman of the Prison Officers Association, said his members were having to deal with a growing number of serious prisoners in unsafe conditions.

Mr Dunkley told The Royal Gazette: “It is hardly surprising to hear the chair of the POA raise concerns about grievances they have within Corrections.

“Under the PLP Government they have raised these concerns on numerous occasions and even won legal action against the Government.”

The One Bermuda Alliance MP said: “Sadly, it appears the current Government does not care or is not listening. This is very concerning.

“What is even more concerning is that across the uniformed services there are legitimate issues that have been raised and the PLP Government has done little to rectify them.

“In spite of promises by three ministers who held the national security portfolio, the concerns remain, yet the Government expects them to perform at the highest levels.

“This is simply not good enough.

“The Government needs to do more than provide lip service.”

Mr Seon told a Labour Day gathering that it was a “struggle” behind the walls at Westgate Correctional Facility.

He said: “Prison officers are working in units without proper ventilation. If it’s 87 or 90 degrees outside, add another ten to 15 degrees inside the jail.

“I do recall some people being locked up for treating their animals like that.”

He claimed the prison had become a “dumping ground” for people with mental health issues and staff were also managing a record number of 51 “lifers” — inmates sentenced to spend between 25 and 34 years behind bars.

He said: “When the Government asked us to roll up our sleeves and put our hands in the soil we were all for it.

“But when it comes to a point where our safety is disregarded, it has to be addressed.

“Officers are on the front line. We need to be properly financed. We need the proper tools and equipment so that we can carry out our duties in a safe environment.”

Asked to comment on Mr Seon’s complaints on Wednesday, Michael Weeks, the national security minister, declined.