Deputy and Others Move UpPrison Totem Pole
Prison DirectorJohn Forster (centre) with Deputy Director Mrs. Claira Range (Lseated) and other prison officers who were recently promoted.
The succession of staff at Her Majesty'sPrisons reached a milestone recently with the promotion of 13officers, affecting the deputy director to middle management toprison officers.
Now confirmed to the position of deputyprison director, Mrs. Claira Range has been acting in the postsince 1999. She joined the prison service in 1981 after beingemployed in the tourism industry. She is the first woman to reachthis rank in the local prison service and is second only to PrisonDirector John Forster in the management of the Northward and Fairbanksfacilities for men and women.
Two former lead officers, Mr. Richard Bartonand Mr. Daniel Greaves, as well as Acting Principal Officer AnthonyScott, have been promoted to principal officer positions. Theyare responsible for the day-to-day operation of the prison, includingwork programmes, medical issues and security.
Three newly appointed lead officers Collin Cowans, Carlton Montague and Rodney Whittaker wereformer senior officers.
They provide hands-on management of respectiveprison wings.
Now holding senior officer rank are formerofficers George McLaughlin, Harry Elliott, Richardo Lashley, AllanPlowright, Marlon Hodgson and Dorette Bersingh. They are responsiblefor various areas of the prison regime, from court appearancesto kitchen management.
Mr. Forster congratulated those promoted,and commended all his staff for their continued commitment. "Iam pleased to see these officers assume higher responsibilities.They are dedicated, accountable, and are part of a service thatis demanding, yet very often rewarding."
He added that more than half of the staffof 142 are either Caymanian, status holders, or are married toCaymanians. "They therefore have a vested interest in therehabilitation of our men and women who commit offences, and inthe improvement of our communities."
Congratulations were also given by Dr. theHon. Frank McField, who holds responsibility for the prison system.He commented, "There is perhaps no more challenging a careerthan prison service. Nevertheless, as evidenced with these promotedofficers, the service has attracted a cadre of men and women whoare caring, disciplined and capable of making the long-term commitmentto the betterment of our society."