Finance Minister Colm Imbert is said to have expressed his willingness to meet with associations representing members of the protective services. At a joint news conference on Wednesday the bodies slammed the minister for not consulting before publicly announcing a proposal for the payment of outstanding monies to public servants.

Yesterday president of the Prison Officers Association Cerron Richards said Minister Imbert is now ready to talk. Mr. Richards said housing and security for officers and government bonds will be at the top of the agenda. The talks are expected to take place within the next two weeks.