No Hiring Freeze In Protective Services

Minister of National Security Stuart Young says Government's plan to temporarily freeze hiring in the public service will not stop the recruitment of personnel to various arms of his ministry. Minister Young gave the assurance as the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives approved the allocation of $1,838,570,608 for his ministry. Meanwhile Minister Young confirmed that the Prison Service continues to operate efficiently despite over 200 officers being quarantined at various timed as a result of COVID-19. He also confirmed that out of a total of 4,280 posts in the prison service, 3,511 have been filled. Minister Young also confirmed that Vision on Mission has allowed the ministry to use its facility in Claxton Bay to house prisoners who test positive for COVID-19. The National Security Minister also said he anticipated an increase in recruitment in the Coast Guard with the arrival of the two Cape Class patrol vessels carded for 2021.