Security beefed up at Mazaruni Prison to curb contraband smuggling

In light of the increased occurrences of contraband being smuggled into the Mazaruni prison, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has ramped up security measures at the facility to curb the problem.
This is according to Officer in Charge (OIC) at the Mazaruni prison Carlton Cameron who highlighted that the GPS has made several investments towards modernising the Mazaruni prison facility. One important area where these investments were placed is security.
“We have modernised the facility… we have the security fence that was constructed. We have the scanning room and that would help to solve the issue of any prohibited articles from entering the prison. Yes, because we have to ensure that our environment and our facilities are free from those prohibited articles which could cause any Issues and so within the prisons” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Officer in Charge also spoke about the enhancement of living facilities at the prison over the past years. He noted that several rehabilitation and expansion projects would have been completed at the prison, these projects he said would enhance the prison staff operations whilst providing a positive environment for prisoners.
“Over the last five years there would have been tremendous development at the Mazaruni prison and these developments are in place for the betterment of the officers and in keeping with our mandate in terms of reforming inmates and having them rehabilitated so these projects that are ongoing and completed provides that environment which foster rehabilitation” he stated.
Moreover, he revealed that whilst emphasis was placed on enhancing the living conditions of prisoners, several investments were similarly made to provide a more comfortable living environment for prison officers, particularly those from far away areas.
“It’s not concentrated only on the inmates but the officers. We see they have the development and the constructions of living quarters for officers. Now these officers are living in New Amsterdam, Linden, and Georgetown leaving the comfort of their own home. They live at a certain standard because we understand that our human resource factor is key, so the comfort level in our offices will give more productivity towards their role and function within the prison system at the Mazaruni prison” he stated.
Additionally, Cameron noted that to reduce overcrowding at the prison a new block was constructed, according to the OIC the new block will house some 200 prisoners. Similarly, a dining hall area was recently constructed, this area allocates one section where prisoners can utilise it for recreational activities.
This year, the Guyana Prison Service received a total of $6.5 billion, covering provisions for prison infrastructure and the training of prison officers.