Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service

It is a general saying that our Human Resource, unlike most other resources, is one of the few renewable non-depleting resources and, quite unlike oil, does not have to be discovered or to take so many lifetimes before it can be of any use to us. It is also equally well accepted now within organizational theory that the strength of any organization lies not in its buildings, its financial assets, nor even in its shareholders. Whilst these are undoubtedly important, twenty first century thinkers have recognized that the strength of an organization resides within its customer base. To be more exact, the survival and success of any business will depend on its capacity to meet the changing demands of its customers/clients.

Presently, the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service is in the process of organizational transformation.  Its philosophy has shifted from “Retribution” to “Restorative Justice” with the view of modernizing the organization.   Nonetheless, the lessons of the past ought not be forgotten, we must learn from both our own experiences and the experiences of other organizations that have walked the path of transformation.  At the heart of any successful transformation is development of the capacity of the human resources, we must not undervalue the importance of people in the change process. This is at the heart of the recommendations of the 2002, Task Force report on Penal Reform and Transformation.

Adults of all ages, most educational levels, are from all walks of life can become good correctional workers.  Correctional systems need levelheaded people who are willing to share their experiences or training with inmates and want to work cooperatively with other correctional employees.

The Prisons Legal Officer, Paul Isaac, along with HR Director Julie Danclair and Psychologist Chevyonne Cyrus-Williams held a three day seminar with officers of Tobago Prison during the month of June ’08. The seminar focused on improving awareness and competence of the present day officer.  Over thirty officers attended from all three batches who operate the Tobago Prison.

Anim Joseph, who was born on September 17th, 1976, enrolled in the Prison Service on the 10th April 2006, as a member of Batch No. 3 of 2006, Serial No. 343; C Squad was his home. Anim was a well known person to the batch, as he never made anything a problem. He spoke to everyone, regardless to what disagreement others may have.