Officers cast early ballots as seamless prison operations continued during voting process – Director

…commends GECOM staff for professionalism

Prison officers across the country have casted their ballots on Friday ahead of the General and Regional Elections, with Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliott emphasising that several prison districts, including Mazaruni, Georgetown and Timehri were under control amidst the Joint Services early voting. He made this statement whilst speaking to media operatives during the elections on Friday morning.
“Today we have all the staff on duty. For Mazaruni, we have a special structure where staff will be staggered. So, it will not affect the operations of the prisons. Everybody will be given the opportunity to cast their vote at Mazaruni, Lusignan, Georgetown, Timehri and all the other locations,” Elliott said.
He added that the voting process does not affect prison operations.

“As we speak, prison operations are ongoing because we can’t stop prison activities, and that is important to us. The process allows ranks to fulfill their constitutional duty without disrupting prison operations,” he told reporters.
Elliott also announced that he would personally inspect other prison services to ensure the voting process runs smoothly.
Meanwhile, Elliott, who led his officers in voting, emphasised the importance of exercising one’s constitutional duty.
“I am very honoured and pleased to have fulfilled my constitutional responsibility as the head of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS). My colleagues, the prison officers, are joining me in this regard. We expect all prison officers to cast their votes within two hours,” he stated. He added, “Whatever choice an officer makes, I respect it. Of course, it is free and voluntary and it is their constitutional right to exercise that choice. Just show us your finger for a quick photo.”
Elliott also commended Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officials for the efficiency of the process and their high level of professionalism.
“The voting process was very simple. I want to commend the staff of GECOM; they were extremely professional in explaining the process to me. In fact, I left my ID card in the office and didn’t want to return to get it, but notwithstanding that, the entire process was very simple,” he joked.
He also praised GECOM staff for their swiftness.
“I want to commend the GECOM staff for their level of professionalism thus far. Now, for prison officers who have not yet made up their minds, I encourage them to vote,” he said.
On Friday, some 466 prison officers from across the country were slated to cast their ballots. Up to press time, the electoral process was reported as seamless, without any hiccups.