Prison Chief still has keys to lock up

Eric Rodriguez will not be cleaning out his desk at the prison any time soon. In fact, he is set to be Superintendent of the Prisons for at least two more years.{{more}}

While talk has been about that a senior police officer was due to be given the keys to the prisons, SEARCHLIGHT has been reliably informed that the ink has not yet dried on a new two year contract offer, extending Rodriguez’s rule.

Rodriguez’s current contract ended in July, sparking speculation that his tenure was coming to an end.

When SEARCHLIGHT spoke to the prison boss, he said that he did not want to comment on the issue, saying that the facts will be known in the appropriate time.

However, sources close to Rodriguez told SEARCHLIGHT that he (Rodriguez) has been informed of Government’s wish to have him continue at the head the prison, but was giving the matter careful consideration before accepting the contract.

SEARCHLIGHT is reliably informed that Rodriguez, all things being equal, may continue in the post until the prison is relocated to Belle Isle.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, two senior police officers were assigned to other ministries.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Ronald Christopher was assigned to the Ministry of National Security as an advisor.

Christopher will be responsible for the security of all ministry buildings, and will also advise on Air and Seaports security.

Meanwhile, concerns about violence in schools and security on a whole will now be addressed by Superintendent Ellsworth Hackshaw.

Hackshaw reported to his new office in the central administration office of the Ministry of Education on Wednesday, September 12, to start his tour of duty.

He is expected to evaluate and put in place a security plan for the nation’s schools.

But as for the senior police officer, a senior government official told SEARCHLIGHT, that there is “absolutely no truth” to his rumoured transfer to the Prisons.