Meanwhile the Prisons Commissioner says they are working closely with the police to ensure a swift and thorough investigation into last night’s attack.
And the Prison Officers Association of Trinidad and Tobago expressed outrage over yet another attack on the life of a prison officer.
The association also called on the Prime Minister to follow through on a recommendation she had while in opposition, to see that qualifying prison officers receive firearm users’ licenses for their own protection.
00:00A brazen, heinous and cowardly act is how Acting Prisons Commissioner Carlos Carraspe describes the attempted murder of one of his officers on Friday night.
00:10He says they will be providing robust and comprehensive support to the officer and his family,
00:16adding that the shooting is a stark reminder of the immense risks prison officers face daily,
00:22and the safety and well-being of prison officers remain a top priority given the inherent risks associated with their vital work.
00:31Commissioner Carraspe says they are working closely with the TTPS and other law enforcement agencies to ensure a swift and thorough investigation,
00:40as this incident constitutes a most direct attack on the criminal justice system of Trinidad and Tobago with the intent of bringing fear to the prison system.
00:50He says it is repudiated in full, as prison officers will continue to work diligently,
00:56quote, there will be no retreat and absolutely no surrender in this regard, end quote.
01:03Meanwhile, President of the Prison Officers Association of TNT, Gerard Gordon,
01:08expressed anguish and outrage over the attempt on yet another officer's life.
01:13Through multiple statements issued today, the association says this is not an isolated incident,
01:20as close to three dozen prison officers have been brutally murdered in this country,
01:25with the state doing little to nothing to arrest this disgusting trend.
01:30He adds, quote,
01:31Let us be clear, prison officers are under attack, and not just by criminals,
01:36but by the silence, inaction and delay of those elected to protect and lead, end quote.
01:42Gordon also reminded Prime Minister Kamala Passat-Bissessa of a public statement in January of 2024
01:49as opposition leader, where she made a case for the issuance of firearm users' licenses
01:55and personal legal firearms to law enforcement officers, particularly those serving in high-risk divisions.
02:04He says the association supported that call then and urged her to act now, as they are in government.
02:11The association president demanded that the state stop treating them like disposable assets
02:17and stop dragging their feet on promises of protection.
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