Two women convicted of larceny and threatening language have been granted the presidential pardon by President David Granger, effective December 23, 2019.
The women – 19-year-old Sherryann Marks and 33-year-old Simone Williams –were both incarcerated at the New Amsterdam Prison, Berbice.
In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) said that pursuant to powers under Article 188, 189 and 190 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the caretaker Head-of-State granted presidential pardons to the duo after considering them “fit and proper to receive such pardons”.
Both prisoners served a portion of their respective sentences for offences and in observance of Christmas, they will be released on Monday.
“It is expected that this expression of compassion and humanity by His Excellency will result in families being re-united, and the pardoned offenders leading good and useful lives hereon,” the statement from MoTP said.
Just four months ago, four males convicted of narcotics possession were also granted early releases from President Granger in commemoration of Emancipation Day (August 1).
The four pardonees were Robert Bhagnauth, 39; Michael Gouveia, 23; Andy Roberts, 38; and Joseph Yaw, 54. They all served a portion of their sentences for possession of cannabis.
The early releases of the four men came at a time when the caretaker coalition Government took steps to remove custodial sentences for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
About a month prior to them being pardoned, the Government had said in a statement that after extensive discussions and reviews, “Cabinet has approved a proposal to remove custodial sentences for persons found to be in possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana”.
