FEARON... brings a wealth of experience to the job

THE University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU), which represents prison warders, yesterday pledged to give its full support and co-operation to newly-appointed acting commissioner of corrections, Earl Fearon.

Fearon, who started his new job yesterday, replaces Lieutenant Colonel John Prescod, who opted late last year not to renew his contract.

Prescod spent the last two years of his tenure as prison boss embroiled in controversy and yesterday, UAWU second vice-president Lambert Brown made it clear that he was happy to see the back of the Lieutenant Colonel with whom he had had some bitter verbal clashes.

"There are no tears shed for Prescod on his departure," Brown told the Observer in a telephone interview. "We, however, welcome Fearon's appointment and look forward to working with him to improve both the working conditions of the correctional officers and the living conditions of inmates in the prisons."

In January 2000, prison warders went on a sick-out to protest against Prescod's re-appointment. The action was deemed an illegal strike by the government because it breached the essential services law that prevents strikes by certain categories of workers. As a result, 800 of them were suspended.

Their cases are still being heard by the Public Services Commission.

Yesterday, Brown suggested that the new commissioner adopt a participatory approach in the management and daily operations of the island's prisons.

Brown also expressed a desire to see correctional officers engage in formal training and re-training and said he hoped that Fearon had this on his agenda if he wanted the rehabilitation of prisoners to be successful.

"During Prescod's eight years in office, there have been lots of talk about training and nothing has been done in that regard," Brown said. "There are several young correctional officers in the system who can be trained and groomed for leadership positions."

Fearon, 57, joined the Department of Correctional Services on January 2, 1970 as a probation aftercare officer.

A news release from the prison services' publicity firm, Marketing and Public Relations Associates, said he brings to his new job, "a wealth of experience, having served in many positions in the correctional services during his 32 years of service".

Prior to this appointment, Fearon held the post of deputy commissioner, custodial services. He has also held the post of director of juvenile community services islandwide and executive director, community services.

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