Subscribe Login
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Business Bites
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Videos
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obits
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Business Bites
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Videos
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obits
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
  • Home
  • News
    • International News
  • Latest
  • Business
    • Business Bites
  • Cartoon
  • Games
  • Food Awards
  • Health
  • Entertainment
    • Bookends
  • Regional
  • Sports
    • Sports
    • World Cup
    • World Champs
    • Olympics
  • Videos
  • Career & Education
  • Classifieds
  • All Woman
  • Environment
  • Webinars
  • More
    • Football
    • Elections
    • Letters
    • Advertorial
    • Columns
    • Editorial
    • Supplements
  • Epaper
  • Design Week
Junior minister tells corrupt prison warders to resign or face the heat
Senator Pearnel Charles Jr
News
BY KIMONE FRANCIS Observer staff reporter francisk@jamaicaobserver.com  
March 5, 2017

Junior minister tells corrupt prison warders to resign or face the heat

Leave now!

Senator Pearnel Charles Jr yesterday issued a strong warning to correctional officers embroiled in corrupt activities to “desist” or resign.

“I am on a mission and all correctional officers must hear me very clearly. I do not intend to be deterred by any man or woman. The Department of Correctional Services will become the premier example of efficiency; it will have to draw up its socks,” Charles, the junior minister for national security, said at the handing-over ceremony of a greenhouse at Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre in St Catherine.

“You are forewarned. What is happening and what will happen you can’t stop it. So anyone who feels they need to resign, you can bring the paper to my desk. Anyone who feels that they cannot take the heat, call the superintendent and tell them,” he said.

Charles’ warning follows measures announced last week to tackle corruption and other criminal activities within correctional facilities after concerns were raised by Opposition spokeswoman on youth and culture Lisa Hanna about the recording of music from prison by murder convicts, including dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel.

Hanna questioned whether corruption played a role in the production of music from behind bars by the entertainer, whose given name is Adidja Palmer.

Charles, in a news release last week, outlined the proposed security measures which he said are to come, including clarifying the conditions under which music is recorded by inmates in maximum security facilities.

He said, then, that there will be changes to legislation and procedures to ensure accountability and enforcement, and that X-ray scanning machines will be installed at Tower Street and St Catherine adult correctional centres, as well as the Horizon Adult Remand Centre in Kingston.

Metal detectors and new entry management protocols, a polygraph of all recruits and correctional officers, a re-zoning of spaces in all prisons, the expansion of closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage across the system and the enhancement of the use of cellular jamming technology were the other measures announced.

Charles said the authorities would be pushing to stamp out the smuggling of mobile phones and other contraband.

Yesterday, the legislator stressed that “whatever steps necessary” will be taken to protect the reputation of “honest, hard-working” correctional officers within the Department of Correctional Services.

“That means everybody else get ready. This is an opportunity for all persons who might have, whether directly or indirectly, been involved in any activity that could be or appear to be corrupt or criminal, you get one chance – desist! That’s it. From henceforth don’t call anybody and ask for any other chances because we are moving up.

“I will not be ever pushed away from my focus. I don’t lose, so we have no choice but to win,” he said.

turn…. turn … turn…

I will not be pushed away from my focus, says junior minister

{"website":"website"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
img img
0 Comments · Make a comment

ALSO ON JAMAICA OBSERVER

Forex: $158.76 to one US dollar
Latest News
Forex: $158.76 to one US dollar
August 17, 2026
The United States (US) dollar on Monday, August 17, ended trading at $158.76, up from 46 cents according to Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading s...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
10 interesting facts on the birthday of Marcus Garvey
Latest News, News
10 interesting facts on the birthday of Marcus Garvey
August 17, 2026
On the 139th anniversary of the birth of Marcus Garvey, Jamaica's first national hero, Observer Online shares some interesting facts about the late Pa...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Police investigate fatal collision in Annotto Bay
Latest News, News
Police investigate fatal collision in Annotto Bay
August 17, 2026
ST MARY, Jamaica — Police in St Mary are investigating a fatal collision in Annotto Bay on Friday that claimed the life of a 54-year-old man. The dece...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Proposed NPO Act should balance financial compliance with civic space, experts say
Latest News, News
Proposed NPO Act should balance financial compliance with civic space, experts say
August 17, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica has an opportunity to develop legislation that protects the country from financial crime while safeguarding the vital work...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Mechanic dies in St Elizabeth crash
Latest News, News
Mechanic dies in St Elizabeth crash
August 17, 2026
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Police in St Elizabeth are reporting that a 22-year-old mechanic succumbed to injuries he sustained in a crash on the Elim mai...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Brian Langrin appointed BOJ governor
Business, Latest News
Brian Langrin appointed BOJ governor
Economist takes office Wednesday as Richard Byles ends seven-year tenure
August 17, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Economist Dr R Brian Langrin has been appointed governor of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), effective Wednesday, August 19, succeeding ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
VMBS expands support for disaster recovery and climate resilience
Business, Latest News
VMBS expands support for disaster recovery and climate resilience
August 17, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — VM Building Society (VMBS) is expanding its support for Jamaican businesses seeking to recover from natural disasters while streng...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Edley Shine opens DJ Jahmar’s ‘Book of Micah Riddim’ with ‘Broken Dolly’
Entertainment, Latest News
Edley Shine opens DJ Jahmar’s ‘Book of Micah Riddim’ with ‘Broken Dolly’
August 17, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dancehall veteran Edley Shine, formerly of the influential duo Born Jamericans, has teamed up with producer DJ Jahmar for  Broken ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
❮ ❯

Polls

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

Archives

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tweets

Polls

Recent Posts

Archives

Logo Jamaica Observer
Breaking news from the premier Jamaican newspaper, the Jamaica Observer. Follow Jamaican news online for free and stay informed on what's happening in the Caribbean
Featured Tags
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Health
  • Auto
  • Business
  • Letters
  • Page2
  • Football
Categories
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
Ads
img
Jamaica Observer, © All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feeds
  • Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Code of Conduct