Authorities were left with no other choice but to cal
Security beefed up outside Camp Street Prison
l out additional joint services officers to stand guard outside the overcrowded Camp Street Prison after only two of 15 prison wardens reported for duty on Thursday morning.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee which was convened by President David Granger at Ministry of the Presidency after the matter was brought to his attention.
It is suspected that the 13 prison officers submitted seven-day sick leave certificates for fear of being hurt by inmates who have since become intimidating and aggressive, following the three-day unrest that had recently erupted at the penitentiary.
According to a statement from Ministry of the Presidency, the Committee was informed that the prisoners have become bolder, displaying weapons and acting menacingly towards prison wardens – resulting in prison officers becoming fearful to carry out their duties.
The Committee was also informed of an increase in cases of marijuana being thrown over the prison fences and that wardens are now afraid of being harmed by prisoners who are under the influence of the drug.
Seated from left: Col Khemraj Persaud, Col George Lewis (partially hidden), Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, Minister of State Joe Harmon, President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Mark Phillips and Major General (ret’d) Michael Atterly at Ministry of the Presidency
Against this backdrop, the Commander-in-Chief ordered that the outer cordons of the prison be extended to include Durban, John and Bent Streets: which will be blocked off to the public except for persons residing with the areas, as is done on Camp Street.
He also directed that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) assist prison officers in manning the facility and the Guyana Defence Force to assist in guarding the outer cordons of its precincts.
Additionally, Director of Prisons Carl Graham also sought reinforcements from the Timehri and Lusignan Prisons as well as from the administration division at the Camp Street Prison.
