GT&T, Habitat reach out to officer injured in 2002 jailbreak

Oct 02, 2012 News

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) yesterday handed over a cheque valued $1M to Habitat for Humanity Guyana Inc (HFHG) as a contribution that will go towards enhancing the living conditions of injured victim of the February 23, 2002 jailbreak, Roxanne Winfield.
Winfield, who currently resides in a cottage at Melanie Damishana, almost lost her life in the line of duty 10 years ago as five prisoners – Andrew Douglas, Dale Moore, Shawn Brown, Mark Fraser and Troy Dick – first approached her at her post and demanded the keys to facilitate their escape from Camp Street prison.

From left: Habitat officials Eileena Persaud, Jennifer Welch, Sinikka Henry and Clifton Ridley, with GT&T’s Allison Parker (second right) and Nadia DeAbreu.

The mother of two stood up to their demand and as a result of this, was almost fatally wounded.
Her insistence on not handing over the keys angered one of the intended escapees who shot her to the head.
The horrific day remains in Winfield’s memory and she is reminded by a huge indentation on her left temple where she was shot. For weeks, the now ex-prison officer remained on life support.
Winfield lost a portion of her brain that controls her speech. She is now unable to see from her right eye. She has also lost the use of her right side and is unable to walk.
HFHG will be partaking step by step in the process of building Winfield a new home.
GT&T has been partnering with Habitat for Humanity for the past 15 years.
Yesterday’s presentation was in keeping with the company’s commitment to upkeep its corporate social responsibility and to “ensure that a home is provided to a less fortunate family, every year.”
Clifton Ridley, who spoke to this newspaper on behalf of HFHG, said that “GT&T’s assistance over the years demonstrates its commitment to national development and allows HFHG to reach more families through its programme. When funding agencies see such consistent local support, the level of trust and willingness to partner with HFHG increases.”
HFHG is a non-profit organization that has provided houses for 3000 families across Guyana. The organization relies greatly on volunteers and donations, both cash and kind, to help construct low-cost affordable housing for inadequately sheltered families. Families pay for the cost of houses, using non-profit long term mortgages.