N.L. justice department backs Owen Brophy after prison guard protests

As pressure increases inside Her Majesty's Penitentiary, the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Justice is standing behind the man they named superintendent last year.

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Correctional officers demonstratedFriday outside the province's largest and oldest prison overworking conditions. They alsocalledfor the resignation ofOwen Brophy.

Brophy, a 33-year veteran prison guard, was appointed Superintendent of Prisons in Decemberafter Graham Rogerson retired.

In a statement, the department said Brophy is "eminently qualified for this current role."

"[Brophy]has been a strong advocate for improvements to policies and procedures at HMP and he is dedicated to ensuring the facility is as safe as possible," the statement read.

It said the department and the minister support Brophy, despite backlash from correctional officers who allege harassment and bullying on the part of the superintendent.

Committed to new penitentiary

A replacement for Her Majesty's Penitentiary, which dates back to 1859,has been promised by the current Tory government.

However, the plan was put on hold in February due to financial constraints.

"We are in a downturn, [a] tough time in our economy right now and as we recover from that, these are projects that we have full intentions to carry out and we've committed to do so and we will," said PC LeaderPaul Davis Friday, pointing to replacement projects for HMP and the dated Waterford Hospital in St. John's.

"I will make promises that Iintend to keep in a way that Ican keep them."

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