Three newly-promoted Supervisors at Her Majesty’s Prison Northward – Messrs. Paul Lorraine, James Waldron and Rohan Copeland – were pinned during a ceremony at the institution on Monday, 16 December.

When the Prison Service advertised the posts earlier this year the Promotions Board reviewed applications, ranked their performance and created a merit list that was used to identify and promote the first batch of three.

“I love my job… it transcends personal gain,” said new Supervisor Paul Lorraine, who outlined the personal qualities that are pre-requisite for prison staff such as: dedication, courage, sacrifice and patience. “We made commitments to the prison and to our families to be of true service, and we are very honoured to be given this task,” Mr. Lorraine commented.

Congratulating the new Supervisors, who share more than three decades of service, Prison Director Neil Lavis stated, “When I arrived I saw the glass ceiling and the frustrations, so I’m really pleased to recognise your hard work… especially as both the staff and the prison population have expressed their approval of your promotions.”

He further implored the men to ‘use their moral compasses and make honest and transparent decisions,’ and also to think of the promotion as a stepping-stone to continued excellence.

Encouraging the trio to “Stick to your training and do what’s right”, Chief Officer Eric Bush applauded the decision to hold the first internal promotions in eight years: “We need to celebrate our successes, for others are quick to celebrate our failings.”

At least one other officer has been accepted, and is awaiting the opening of another supervisory position.

Human Resources Manager Raquel Solomon said that prison management is also working to accommodate other officers who have expressed interests in receiving specialised training.

Also attending the ceremony were Deputy Chief Officer Kathryn Dinspel-Powell; Deputy Prison Director, Operations, Daniel Greaves; Director of Eagle House Claira Range and the Portfolio’s Chief Financial Officer Vinton Chinsee.

The pinning ceremony was also attended by family members and colleagues of the new Supervisors.

There are 150 officers and support staff in the Northward and Fairbanks prisons, with a combined inmate population of about 185 men and women.

Photo:  Photo Credit Lennon Christian, GIS

(L-R) Deputy Chief Officer Kathryn Dinspel-Powell, Supervisor James Waldron, Prison Director Neil Lavis, Supervisor Paul Lorraine, Chief Officer Eric Bush, Supervisor Rohan Copeland, Director of Eagle House Claira Range and Deputy Prison Director, Operations, Daniel Greaves.