Kolbe Foundation Chief Executive Officer Earl Jones confirmed to Amandala this morning that they are moving to set up a Human Resources Department, in line with a recommendation made in July by the Labour Commissioner, Ivan Williams, who was tasked by Labour Minister Godwin Hulse to look into concerns tabled by the Belize Central Prison Coalition.

The Labour Commissioner report pointed to the “unhealthy industrial relations” climate at the Belize Central Prison, and the ease with which Kolbe’s management has been terminating workers.

According to the report, 33 workers were let go during the first six months of 2013. That’s a high rate of almost 6 workers every month – a 12.3% reduction in staff. The total staff complement up to June 2013 numbers roughly 270.

Speaking with Amandala today, Jones confirmed that he has been in negotiations with a prospective HR manager; however, he told us that all the paperwork needed to close the deal has not been exchanged.

“We are looking for somebody good to run our HR department,” said Jones.

Labour Commissioner Williams had recommended that a human resource unit be established at the prison, and that proper hiring and termination processes be set up and adhered to.

He also recommended that the Ministry of National Security provide greater oversight to minimize worker-management conflicts at Kolbe.