Matter cannot be solved without inmates’ help – Prisons Director
Murder of prisoner
Unless inmates— who witnessed the beating to death of prisoner, Shaheed Ali, at the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on April 2— assist investigators, then it is highly unlikely that the culprit(s) will be held accountable for Ali’s murder.
Over three months have elapsed since Ali, who was on remand on a murder charge, succumbed to injuries he received from beatings at the prison.
Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels told <<<Guyana Times>>> on Saturday that at present, there has been no new development into the probe which commenced months ago.
“So far, I don’t have any new information but I know we are still seeking to see any prisoner within there who may have information to come forward and speak. Even though we would take the necessary steps to protect the identity of whoever would give us information, persons will still have their hesitation,” Samuels said.
However, he noted that although the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is spearheading this investigation, his office is still trying to assist; which can lead to the apprehension of the guilty person(s).
Meanwhile, the GPF is yet to provide an update to the Prison Service on the results of its findings, which would most likely be provided when the probe concludes.
However, Samuels noted that the investigation into Ali’s beatings and death is “active”.
On April 2, 2019, Ali of Albouystown, Georgetown was in Bay One at the Lusignan Prison at about 22:58h when several other prisoners beat him following a dispute.
The injured inmate was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted as a patient. He, however, died three days later.
Just last month, one week after 23-year-old Samuel Little of Lot 1 Stewartville, West Coast Demerara, was remanded for breaking and entering and larceny, he was killed in the Lusignan Holding Bay by another inmate.
Reports are that Little was involved in an argument with another male prisoner when he was struck with a piece of wood.
Initially, he was treated at the prison infirmary but was rushed to GPHC because of the severity of his injuries.
