PRISONS OFFICER UNDER MAINTENANCE $ PROBE

THE arrest of a Tobago prisons officer for alleged theft of $24,498 in warrant payments follows a revelation of a scam.

The officer was arrested over allegations that maintenance money collected at the prison was not remitted at the treasury.

Investigations are continuing, the police have confirmed.

The officer is said to be in his late 30s and lives in Carnbee.

CounterPunchTT reported just over a month ago that maintenance funds were being fraudulently converted to personal use and there were no official records of the payments.

In one example, the money was due for several months and involved three children.

Some people who are aware of the system called for a procedural change to ensure compliance and accountability.

They said the crime is depriving mothers and children of their deserved money.

It is also denying errant fathers of justice, they added.

The authorities are being lauded for the current investigation and arrest.

But there are calls for the prisons commissioner to reform the system to ensure transparency and fair dealing.