In response to recent queries by RTC News about the recruitment practise at HM Prison, The Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs and Her Majesty’s Prison Service would like the general public to know the following:
The Ministry and TCIG work with the Human Resources Management Directorate to ensure that the hiring process is a fair one. Policy dictates that Turks and Caicos Islanders are given first preference in all situations however; individuals who do not meet core competency minimum standards or who fail a police records check are eliminated from the process.
Specifically as it relates to the recruitment of Prison Officers who are entrusted with the care and safety of others, TCIG must ensure that recruits satisfy not only the basic competency but also a level of ethical standards even as HM Prison strives to increase its recruitment of locals.
Our records show that most recent recruits have come from the local population. Since 2006 HM Prison has only recruited a teacher and a Superintendent from overseas. In 2013 another eight officers were hired, of which five were Belongers and three were expatriates married to Belongers. All other appointments made were Belongers and PRC holders.
The following gives a breakdown of the Prison Staff:
• · 40 members of staff are Turks and Caicos Islanders (Local)
• · 10 are Residency / Permanent Residency Holders
• · 15 are foreign nationals of which 13 were employed before 2007
It is the intention of the Ministry and HM Prison Service to continue to: 1) ensure that qualified Belongers are recruited into HM Prison and 2) work with TCIG and the Human Resource Management Directorate to build on the skills and experience of locals to help reduce the reliance on overseas skills and experience across the Public Service.
