News
Camp security boss threatened unpaid staff
- Guards walked out last week over wage dispute, police on stand-by
SECURITY staff guarding the Asylum Seekers Accommodation Centre in Penally have told The Pembrokeshire Herald they have not been paid regularly or on-time.
They claim their managers have been putting profit before safety.
One shocking revelation is that those tasked with ensuring the safety of asylum seekers have been told to ‘toss any weapons found, such as knives over the fence’.
The company in charge, AK security, does not want any complications which could jeopardise its contract with the Home Office, it seems.
One security guard provided The Herald with a recording of what he says is a telephone conversation between the managing director of AK Security and himself.
In the phone call, the security guard is apparently threatened after asking for £1,000 in unpaid wages.
AK Security managing director Ali Mohammed Khan is heard in the recording of a mobile telephone conversation.
Mr Khan says: “If you show up again, I promise you I am going to do something.
“And trust me you don’t want me to do it. I do not like threatening people, but I am not a kid my friend. You’re a boy, listen to me innit – you don’t want me to do it.”
In the phone call with AK Security’s MD, the security worker is heard politely asking for his pay to which Khan replies: “Do you understand English? Are you thick in your head? Do you have a brain? Do you know how the bank system works? I am a company.
“When companies do transfers it isn’t done within minutes. It’s coming from the company account…. It takes three working days for your payment to come through. I told you yesterday that within three working days the money will be in your account.”
A previous payment had been made instantly. The worker consequently questioned the 3-day transfer – normally reserved for substantial companies who pay using the now-outdated BACS system.
The guard questions Khan again saying: “How is it you paid me alright on Sunday, but it is taking forever now?”
Kahn answers: “The last payment was done differently – why are you asking so many questions. The payment has been done. I am not a guy who is going to run away with someone else’s money – I am bigger than that!”
Other security guards told this newspaper they were instructed to throw any weapons they found at the camp ‘over the wall’ and not to report the weapons’ presence at the Camp.
The reason given for this was to prevent AK Security from losing their contract with the Home Office to guard the asylum seekers in Penally.
Police were put on standby on Tuesday night (Nov 17), after reports security staff had walked out in protest over non-payment of wages.
The Tenby Observer reported: “[Because] they had not received any wages from their employers at the firm ‘AK Security’, the staff ‘downed tools’ and refused to work, standing outside the gates for a period of time on Tuesday night, with one eye-witness stating that police officers were also on hand to monitor the situation.’
Since the Home Office repurposed Penally Camp almost two months ago, the facility has been dogged by controversy and unrest. The facility currently houses around 170 asylum seekers, with scope for that to increase to 234.
This week’s incident is the latest in a string of controversial events surrounding AK Security.
The firm, whose base is in London, has been contacted by The Pembrokeshire Herald to respond to this article’s content.
The Herald also contacted the Home Office regarding the serious allegations.
As we went to press, neither the Home Office nor AK Security had responded to our invitation.
Community
Lucy’s sudden passing at just 38 leaves a community in mourning
MILFORD HAVEN is reeling from the untimely passing of Lucy Wind, a beloved mother, daughter, and sister.
Lucy, aged just 38, passed away suddenly but peacefully at her residence on Sunday, April 21, leaving behind cherished memories and a profound sense of loss among family and friends.
Lucy was known for her devotion to her two boys, Ryan and Adam, aged 15 and 12.
Her passing has left a significant void in their lives, as she was not only a dedicated mother but also a pillar of strength for her family.
Lucy’s parents, Angela and the late John Wind, and her siblings Sharon, Jason, and the late Alison, are mourning the loss of a beloved daughter and sister.
Details surrounding Lucy’s sudden demise have shocked many in the community.
Just hours before her passing, Lucy had been joyfully celebrating her cousin’s 18th birthday at a family gathering. Witnesses recount her vibrant presence on the dance floor, reveling in the company of loved ones. She left the venue early at 10:30pm to prepare for work the following day, but passed away at home. Lucy’s unexpected departure has left many grappling with disbelief.
Lucy was known for her selflessness and frugality, always prioritising her family over material possessions.
In line with her wishes, her funeral service will be a testament to her minimalist approach to life.
The service is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 9, at 10:45am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. In honour of Lucy’s vibrant spirit, attendees are encouraged to wear a splash of purple, her favourite colour.
In lieu of floral tributes, the family has requested donations to support Lucy’s sons, Ryan and Adam, through a GoFundMe page set up by Lucy’s cousin, Kerryanne. The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming, reflecting the impact Lucy had on those around her.
Expressions of sympathy and support can be directed to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd., Hamilton Court Funeral Home, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven. For those wishing to contribute to the fund for Lucy’s sons, donations can be made through the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lucy-wind.
As Milford Haven prepares to bid farewell to one of its own, Lucy Wind’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to family will forever be cherished by the community she leaves behind.
News
Jonathan Davies to say farewell to Scarlets at the end of the season
ONE of the Scarlets’ greats, Jonathan Davies, will say farewell to the club at the end of the season.
After 16 seasons spanning two spells at the club, the man known as ‘Foxy’ will be moving on at the end of the campaign.
From Bancyfelin in Carmarthenshire, Jonathan has made 209 appearances in a Scarlets jersey having made his debut for the club against Northampton Saints as an 18-year-old back in 2006.
A former club captain, he was an integral member of the side that lifted the Guinness PRO12 title in 2016-17, the Scarlets clinching the trophy in style thanks to a mesmeric brand of attacking rugby.
Jonathan has gone on to become one of the most decorated centres in world rugby, representing the British & Irish Lions in the Test series against Australia (2013) and New Zealand (2017) – where he was player of the series. He has also played 96 Tests for Wales, featuring in two Grand Slam-winning sides, a further two championship wins, and two Rugby World Cups in New Zealand (2011) and Japan (2019). He has also captained the national side on four occasions.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s final home match against Ulster, Jonathan said: “I am going to miss this place and this group. Day to day, being around a great bunch of boys and saying you are working you feel very privileged.
“It has been incredible to play for a team I supported when I was a young boy. I have enjoyed every minute and have some wonderful memories, but everything has to come to an end.
“I remember my first day coming into the Academy at Stradey, I remember walking into the changing room for training with the likes, Vernon Cooper, Matthew Rees, Iestyn Thomas, Alix Popham – who were the ‘guvnors’ of the changing room – and putting my bag on the bench and coming in afterwards and it was on the floor; I tried another spot the next day and the same happened! it was a great learning; myself, Ken and my generation were probably the last ones to have experience of that old school environment.”
Recalling the highlights of his Scarlets career, lifting the PRO12 trophy in Dublin in 2017 figures at the top of the list, as does playing alongside his younger brother James ‘Cubby’.
He added: “There was a span of five or six games in which I never enjoyed rugby as much as I did during the end of that season when we won the PRO12. I have always said, if we were still in European competition at that point we would have won it.
“The rugby we played was so much fun and so natural, we were operating at a level that we didn’t really need to talk about what was expected of us. It felt as if we were operating at our highest level possible and the talent in that group was so high it showed in the games leading up to the final and then in the final.
“Playing alongside my brother was another special moment and winning a trophy as part of the same side is something I am very proud of.”
As for the future, Jonathan has a testimonial year beginning in June and is also hoping to continue his playing career.
“I would love to see if there is another opportunity to play elsewhere, whether that be abroad or not,” he adds. “I still enjoy coming to train and playing. I am always told you are a long time retired – if you feel you can add to an environment or a team I feel I’d be stupid not to.
“The Scarlets have been a huge part of my life. When you get older there is an appreciation of the effort that people – coaches, team-mates, staff – have put into your career. The supporters here have been amazing from day one as well.”
Paying tribute to one of the Scarlets’ greats, head coach Dwayne Peel said: “I played in the same game as Foxy’s debut, there was a lot of talk of this kid from Bancyfelin coming through and when he turned up he was more developed than some of the senior boys! He was strong and fast and you could see straight away he was something special.
“He was always destined for big things, but he has also worked tirelessly on his game to become the best No. 13 in the world and is an example to any young player who aspires to make it as a professional.
“I am sure the next few weeks will be an emotional time for him, saying his farewells. He has been a big part of this club for a long time.”
News
Fourth Bank Holiday shout for Angle RNLI
ANGLE All-Weather Lifeboat was requested to launch at 5:46pmon Bank Holiday Monday to assist a small vessel in difficulty off the Angle buoy, between Angle and Dale.
The vessel had suffered steering failure, and with a large VLCC tanker inbound the casualty vessel was quickly taken under tow by a Port Authority Pilot Vessel.
As the pilot vessel was required to stay with the tanker as a specified vessel requiring a patrol, the pilot boats crew requested the lifeboats attendance.
The lifeboat launched and rendezvoused with the pilot vessel off Chapel Bay and a tow was swiftly passed to the casualty vessel.
After discussing the options with the vessels skipper, the casualties were taken under tow to their mooring at Castle Pill. Once off the narrow entrance to the Pill, the vessel was transferred into an alongside tow and manoeuvred through the tight entrance.
Around 30 minutes after being taken under tow, the casualty vessel was placed safely on their mooring. Content that no further assistance was required, the lifeboat and her crew were stood down to return to station where she was readied for further service by 6:45pm.
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