PrescodSome of the warders who are on interdiction leave from the island's prisons, are being treated for depression.
Dr. Raymoth Notice, a member of the medical team at the Correctional Services, reported to the hearings into the interdictions on Friday, that some of the warders were at the point of suicide and were being treated by prison doctors.
The Public Services Commission (PSC) is hearing the matter.
According to Dr. Notice, the uncertainty of their future and the long time which has elapsed since approximately 800 prison warders were interdicted, were taking a heavy toll.
The warders were accused of illegally demonstrating against the re-appointment of Lt. Colonel John Prescod, as Commissioner of Corrections.
"I have a large number of warders who have been my clients long before the interdiction. Many are being treated for depression, but there is a small minority who are showing signs of severe depression," Dr. Notice said.
According to him, there are individuals whose families have been torn apart since the interdiction. Some members of the family are living at separate locations while others have been asked to leave their places of abode because they cannot pay the rent, he said.
He explained that there was no "wellness programme" in the Correction-al Services which has been recognised as a high stress area. A wellness programme would allow warders to be provided with professional help to discuss social and emotional problems.
Lambert Brown, spokesman for the University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU) which represents the war-ders, said that a number of them are in danger of losing their homes and many were unable to send their children to school.
"About three of them are suffering mental problems and most of them can't get other jobs, because they have not resigned their positions with the Correctional Services," Brown said.
A release from the University and Allied Workers Union, UAWU, signed by Mr. Brown, said Dr. Notice denied suggestions made by attorney Gregory Reid representing the Attorney-General's Department, that he was giving evidence on the officers behalf because he was having difficulties with the Correctional Services Department.
Only five of the 800 warders have had their cases completed by the PSC. They have since appealed the Commission's decision to dismiss them. An additional nine have had hearings completed, but are awaiting a decision.
Eleven more warders are currently having their cases heard.
