The Department of Corrections announced 16 staff promotions yesterday which officials hope will usher in a new era of "improved supervision, performance and accountability".

Speaking to The Royal Gazette yesterday, Prisons commissioner Hubert Dean said the changes were "the first steps" in getting the department back on track after several years of internal unrest and industrial action.

"These are the first series of promotions within the department for three years," he said.

"The confusion and turmoil which has dogged the department recently has stymied any real progress. We've had a lot of problems and people acting up which has led to inconsistent performance and a lack of accountability. As of now, I hope we can turn the corner."

Lionel Young, and Keeva-Mae Joell-Benjamin were made Chief Officers while Vivian Simons, Anthony Smith, Kenneth Cann, Jr. and Michael Furbert were given the rank of Principal Officers.

Carla Simmons, Sandra Smith, April Ming, Dwight Richards, Quinton DeShield, Dennis Brown, Michael Christopher, Ernest Simons, Ryan Belboda and Marvin Trott were promoted to the rank of Divisional Officers.