Three juvenile offenders are currently on the run after they along with another – who has since been recaptured – escaped from the New Opportunity Corps (NOC), in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Saturday last.
The escapees are between the ages 16 and 17. They are from Pamala Backdam, Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Vigilance, East Coast Demerara, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) respectively. The one who has been recaptured is from Blueberry Hill Squatting Area, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
The teens were placed at the NOC on offences of larceny, unlawful wounding,
The New Opportunity Corps in Region Two
disorderly behaviour and wandering.
Reports are on Saturday last, at about 16:00h, the teens opened binding wire attached to the chain-link fence, making way for their escape out of the compound and into the backlands.
However, Guyana Times was informed that on Sunday, at about 18:10h, the NOC Administrator (acting), Parasram Singh and staff, were able to re-capture the teen from Linden along the Airy Hall Public Road, on the Essequibo Coast.
On Monday, the teen was escorted to the Suddie Public Hospital by a Constable to be examined by medical practitioners.
Investigations are ongoing.
Prior to this report, there have been several instances where teenagers from the facility have escaped from the juvenile detention centre.
Just last month, some 10 minors committed to the institute escaped. However, it was reported that they were all recaptured.
In February last, a senior official attached the NOC was being accused of covering up several instances of sexual activity between teens at the correctional facility and staff members of the institution.
Over the past months, several female inmates have reported that they were either forced or experienced inappropriate behaviour from two particular staff members at the facility.
Back in 2013, an investigation was launched by the then Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry after three inmates were discovered pregnant.
The NOC houses youths between the ages of 10 and 18, after they are committed there by the courts to participate in correctional programmes lasting up to three years. (Ramona Luthi)
