Kevon Thomas is Best Prison Officer Student

Kevon Thomas has emerged as the Best Student of an intensive seven-week Basic Prison Officers’ Training Course which concluded recently. Thomas, along with thirteen colleagues, graduated as prison officers on Thursday, April 16, at the Glad Tidings Bible Camp at Upper Cane Hall.{{more}}

Giving the feature address, Guest speaker Andrew Cummings Q.C. impressed on the officers the importance of their job and advised them to never let anyone make them feel inferior. “Never feel inferior to anyone … always remember there is no mountain you can’t climb, no river you can’t cross…Remember to keep the faith!” he said.

Turning to the audience, Cummings reiterated that the officers are human beings just like any other citizen, they just perform different functions. “The police officers are working for the good of mankind,” he added.

Giving the course overview, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Linus Goodluck said that the seven weeks of training will prepare the officers for work at Her Majesty’s Prison in Kingstown, and the transition to the new facility that is being constructed at Belisle. The 14 prison officers were trained in a variety of subject areas, including Customer Service and Conflict Resolution. They also participated in Drills and Physical training.

Goodluck also encouraged the participants to put the training gained into practice as it would improve the productivity and efficiency of their work.

Also dishing out advice to the officers, Superintendent of Prisons Eric Rodriguez urged them to use their new training in the best ways possible and not to be intimidated by older officers at the prison, but be candid, speak up and let their opinions and ideas be heard.

Officers who displayed excellence in different areas were also rewarded. Annette James, a female officer, received the Best Drills Award; Lyndon Williams was the Most Improved recruit, while Deron McDonald, another female officer, captured the Most Disciplined Recruit award. Kevon Thomas, the Best Student, also received the Best at Physical award.

The 14 officers, three females and eleven males, participated in the sixth Basic Prison Officers’ Training course. The first course was conducted in 2002.