The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) on Sunday clarified that only two prisoners escaped from the Lusignan Prison Holding Bay, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Saturday and not three as was initially reported.
In a press statement, Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels said that a detailed check showed that only two prisoners were unaccounted for.
Those who escaped are Phillip Jhogroo of Lot B3 Good Intent, Leguan, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Donald Baird of Hardina Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown – both of whom were indicted for murder.
On the run: Donald Baird
“A detailed, forensic re-check of the names of the prisoners officially recorded in the location’s records against the names given by prisoners during the physical muster held as soon as the escape was discovered has revealed that two prisoners not three escaped,” the statement from the Prison Service reiterated.
It was reported that the escape occurred between 01:28h and 01:48h on Saturday. However, Officer in Charge, Superintendent Alstan Scott reported the matter a few hours later.
It was during a routine check that an improvised rope made of bed sheets was seen hanging from the southwestern corner of the prison fence.
This prompted a physical muster and it was discovered that the aforementioned prisoners were unaccounted for. Further investigations confirmed that they escaped from the facility by scaling the section of the fence where the improvised rope was found.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is also part of the team that is probing the incident and working to recapture the criminals. Family members are warned not to offer any support to the escaped inmates.
“The Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Prison Service are conducting further investigations surrounding the escape. Every effort is being made to recapture the three escapees. Family members and members of the public are advised not to offer any support to the escapees. Should you see them or have any information on their whereabouts, please contact the nearest Police Station,” Samuels directed.
Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels
Last month, three inmates also escaped from the Lusignan Prison by jumping a fence. After a manhunt was launched, two of them were recaptured at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) hours later.
Those recaptured were: Alex Mathias of Good Hope Dock Yard, Essequibo, who was committed to stand trial for murder with his case underway at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, and Arnold Kennedy, of Lot 847 Zeeburg Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara (WCD).
The third fugitive was Mark Rafino of Good Intent Village, West Bank Demerara (WBD), who is committed to stand trial for robbery.
