Latest update November 8th, 2024 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Thoughts on the recent prison murder in Berbice

Jun 27, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
Have the prisoners taken charge and become their own judge, jury and executioners? Permit me to pen my thoughts before they run totally amok. Following the recent news article of the deadly prison attack on the Jagmohan brothers while incarcerated in the New Amsterdam Prison, I have been forced to rethink even the basic of basics -”What are prisons for? The idea that it is a place to treat, reform and rehabilitate now appears obsolete or unattainable when it comes to the prison system in Guyana. In fact, it is apparent that the prisons and prison system are there solely to serve the courts. Point finale!
The recent stabbing death of Neshan Jagmohan, by fellow inmates using jukers reveals a culture of sheer dehumanization, where lives no longer matter, neither does what happens to individuals behind bars. After all, in the first instance they have been incarcerated on account of murder.
So figure it out. Safety inside prisons depends on a multiplicity of factors among them being adequate supervision, adequate staffing and scrupulous surveillance, all of which was lacking in the New Amsterdam prison. According to Divisional Commissioner, Ian Amsterdam following post – incident statements taken from the inmates, the deceased and his brother were extremely aggressive towards other inmates, and he was further made to understand that the bothers dominated.
Pointing the finger in the other direction, taking into full consideration the fact that these brothers were not newcomers/new kids on the block, then the poignant question that must be addressed is; prior to this sad saga was the prison personnel privy to the aggressive/dominant behaviour of the brothers? Were any reports made by other inmates, if so how were they dealt with? Or are these reports of their behaviour now surfacing as an alibi for those accused.
Is the Guyana Correctional Services guilty of gross negligence, and breach of duty of care in allowing the prisoners to become judge, jury and ultimate executioner? It has been said that the attack stemmed from a murder plot, does it not stand to reason that somewhere along the line as the plot was thickening the inmates’ behavior may have been sickening, in a manner that was prejudicial to good order and discipline.
It is apparent that both the incubation and the hatching of the plot progressed totally unnoticed in an environment totally controlled by perimeter architecture, disciplinary rules, internal security and surveillance. It is a known fact that prisons can be dangerous places, undoubtedly and newspaper sources report that the accused may be facing murder and attempted murder charges. However, the call is now being sounded and many more besides the accused inmates should be held accountable. I am calling on the President and all appropriate authorities to carry out an immediate and through investigation aimed at determining whether the well-established duty of care owed was exercised, and was the occurrence foreseeable.
An appropriate reactionary and justifiable measure would be to segregate the prisoners for their own safety, while the prison officials painstakingly review their inhouse surveillance and supervisory procedures and the likely breach thereof. As for the construction of jukers or other implements of harm, the officials had better take notice and bear in mind that one day they may be at the receiving end.
Prisons – that stressful anxiety producing environment have been known to bring out the strangest behaviour in individuals who find themselves behind its walls, but let this incident serve as a pressing need for the corrective personnel to take careful heed.
Yvonne Sam

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 6th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

CWI Cricket West Indies suspends Alzarri Joseph for two matches

CWI Cricket West Indies suspends Alzarri Joseph for two matches

Nov 08, 2024

Bridgetown, Barbados – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has imposed a two-match suspension on fast bowler Alzarri Joseph following an on-field incident during the 3rd CG United ODI at the Kensington...
Read More
ExxonMobil Futsal Championship heats up in Linden

ExxonMobil Futsal Championship heats up in Linden

Nov 08, 2024

Harpy Eagles left frustrated by weather once again in Super50 Cup no-result against Scorpions

Harpy Eagles left frustrated by weather once...

Nov 08, 2024

Lennox Blackmore National Intermediate C/ship shifted to Six Head Gym

Lennox Blackmore National Intermediate C/ship...

Nov 08, 2024

All-round Jaguars clinch 3-wicket win over Pitbulls 

All-round Jaguars clinch 3-wicket win over...

Nov 08, 2024

GSLT20 ticket sales begin tomorrow at the local box office

GSLT20 ticket sales begin tomorrow at the local...

Nov 08, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]