Following a recent prison break from the high-security Mazaruni Prison in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Heads of the Joint services on Friday conducted a physical inspection of the facility.
Head of the Joint Services, Brigadier Godfrey Bess DSS; Nigel Hoppie DSM; Director of Prison (ag), Nicklon Elliot and GFS representative Commandant Heimchendra Persaud inspecting the prison
On February 16, four prisoners, including inmates on death row who were convicted for murder and manslaughter, escaped from the high-security Mazaruni Prison in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
Those who had escaped were 25-year-old Imran Ramsaywack of Adelphi Village, East Coast Berbice (ECB); 44-year-old Kenrick Lyte whose last known address was Grant Good Intent, Lower Pomeroon River; 22-year-old Samuel Gouveia of Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and 22-year-old Rayon Jones of Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
Then on April 9, Kevin Lafleur of Providence Housing Scheme, EBD, who was serving a 56-month sentence after he was convicted for robbery under arms, also escaped from the Mazaruni Prison.
As such, on Friday, the Guyana Prison Service hosted a Tactical Exercise Without Troops (TEWTs) at the facility.
In attendance were Head of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Godfrey Bess DSS; Commissioner of Police (ag), Nigel Hoppie DSM; Director of Prison (ag), Nicklon Elliot; Guyana Fire Service representative Commandant Heimchendra Persaud and presidential Advisor on National Security, Gerry Gouveia.
The TEWT activity had presentations from members of the Joint Services where they each presented on their area of responsibility in relation to a prison break, shooting incident and fire – all occurring around the same time.
On February 16, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) said that at about 07:15h during the unlocking of the Brick Prison – Solitary Division – it was observed that the padlock to the entrance gate was tampered with, and further checks revealed that two bars within the cell were cut. It was then they discovered that Ramsaywack; Lyte; Gouveia and Jones were missing.
On March 22, Ramsawack and Jones were killed during a shootout with Police at about 20:40h at the Better Hope Backlands, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Lyte and Gouveia are still on the run.
Meanwhile, Lafleur on April 9 at about 03:15h made a run for his freedom into the bushes aback the prison. According to Police, Prison Officers scoured the area but did not locate the escapee. He was reportedly spotted in Bartica but continues to evade Police.
