The Pointe Blanche prison remains in the news as authorities unveiled a package of measures to crack down on security breaches (see related stories). Especially the presence of two "locked and loaded" firearms inside the penitentiary found following the recent violent incident rightfully was deemed unacceptable.
Whether the actions announced now truly will make the house of detention secure also for personnel in the near future remains to be seen, but it's certainly a step in the right direction. Perhaps model prisoners who don't misbehave might not appreciate inconveniences intensified law enforcement activities could bring, but that's the price they'll have to pay in the interest of their own safety.
One aspect that no doubt deserves attention is the absenteeism among prison guards. It seems no less than 30 of a total 107 are on sick leave, an unusually high percentage.
The Social and Health Insurances SZV doctor will be requested to look into this issue so that any abuse can be tackled. It's not just a matter of lacking manpower, but of overburdening the other 77 employees, because a minimum seven people are still needed per shift.
One only has to do the math on three eight-hour shifts per 24-hour day, but then seven days a week, to understand the related work-pressure. Government Accountant Bureau SOAB therefore also is investigating this undesirable phenomenon and circumstances that may contribute to such, so that appropriate decisions may be taken based on the result.
Of course, all the problems at Pointe Blanche won't be solved from one day to the next, but acting now can prevent a further deterioration of the situation to the point where it practically gets out of control, something Curaçao and now Aruba already have experienced to varying degrees. Meaningful improvement will be achieved only if all those involved, including government and its agencies, management, staff and the unions representing them, as well as the inmates and their association do their part.
