Cops, prison officers charged over prisoner’s escape

Three Constables attached to the Guyana Police Force, along with one prison officer, are expected to make their court appearance in connection with the escape of alleged rapist Dellon Blake from the Lusignan penitentiary on October 4, 2017.
Following legal advice, the charges were instituted under the Criminal Law Offences (Act), Chapter 8:01. The four men were reportedly performing duties at the facility on the morning Blake successfully escaped.

Thirty-five-year-old Blake of Kamuni Creek, West Bank Demerara, was, however, recaptured two days later in the vicinity of the Linden- Soesdyke Highway.
Based on reports received, Blake used his bed sheet and wooden pallets to climb over the fence on the northern side of the facility in full view of Police ranks performing duties in the tower. That area, according to Police, was well-illuminated.
The fugitive was admitted to the prison on July 24, 2017. He was on remand for raping a relative.
Days after the incident, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan bashed the officers on duty at the time for negligence, and dubbed the behaviour of the ranks irresponsible.
“It is shocking when prison wardens, under their noses, people could escape like that,” he said. “You are so embarrassed by certain staff members within these units, and that is why sometimes you sack them, you terminate them,” he explained, after which they “will come pleading that they are left unemployed”.
The Minister noted that after visiting the facility following the escape, he was told that Blake had placed a few pieces of wood under a platform where the Police Officers were stationed, and scaled the barb-wire fence.
“It is horrific, the irresponsibility of our policemen,” the Public Security Minister declared.