Lead Stories

Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer

Less than two days after The Gleaner reported that pressured Commissioner of Corrections June Spence-Jarrett had been transferred from the national security ministry, an interim prison boss has been installed.

He is decorated Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) veteran, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Prendergast, the second army man in two years.

National Security Minister Dwight Nelson confirmed that Prendergast has been seconded to act in the position until it is duly advertised and a new commissioner appointed.

The minister did not give a time frame within which the substantive appointment would be made, saying Prendergast would operate in the position until further notice.

Name removed from website

Prendergast has had command of the First Battalion The Jamaica Regiment since 2008.

Checks by The Gleaner on the JDF website revealed that Prendergast's name and attendant information had been removed.

The website stated that Predergast's status was being upgraded.

The army man has served in various capacities throughout his military career in the JDF.

He served as the Training Major of the Third Battalion The Jamaica Regiment (National Reserve) and has acted on many occasions as an Infantry Battalion Commander.

Colonel Prendergast has earned the Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service to the Jamaica Defence Force.