The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Prison Officers Association said yesterday that it supports the Police Staff Association in its attempts to get the government to address reported mould contamination in police stations across New Providence.

BPOA President Sgt Gregory Archer said his group stands behind the PSA in its quest to protect its officers after government has failed to act on a mould report for more than a year and a half.

Sgt Archer claimed that issues expressed by PSA Chairman Dwight Smith during a press conference on Monday were issues his association has been asking the government to correct for months.

“We at the prison have been addressing the same issues to no avail,” insisted Sgt Archer.

On Monday, the PSA alleged that the government opted not to respond to mould reports despite knowing the health and well being of officers were at risk after a report by Clear Solutions Plus, a cleaning company specialising in mould and mildew remediation, highlighted concerns for some 25 police buildings.

In that 2013 report, Clear Solutions Plus claimed that a “significant amount” of mould was discovered that required “prompt attention” to prevent severe allergic reactions among police officers and other persons who frequent the buildings.

In late January, nearly two-thirds of the prison officers scheduled to work called in sick for three consecutive days.

Sgt Archer suggested at the time that officers were “sick and tired” as a result of poor working conditions at the facility in Fox Hill.

He pleaded with government officials, particularly National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage and State Minister for National Security Keith Bell to do the admirable thing and sit down with staff to discuss a way to improve the standards at the prison.

Sgt Archer yesterday said the government’s present position on matters that affect the health of law enforcement and prison officers illustrated that they have little regard for their well being.

“In short order we will collectively take a stand. They must respect our lives,” he added.

On Monday Mr Bell told The Tribune that the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and the government “would not deliberately expose any of its employees to such risks”.

He added that he has to speak with Dr Nottage and Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade before he could say anything more.