A letter to Minister Ramjattan

Oct 16, 2018 Letters

Dear Minister,
The Private Sector Commission is becoming increasingly concerned by a number of issues affecting the prisons in Guyana and, by virtue of this, public safety in the country.
A recent meeting of the Management Board of the Prisons has highlighted a number of serious matters, which we feel should be addressed with utmost urgency. Issues brought to the fore include a general lack of adequate security at all of the prisons, a lack of fire prevention systems, the lack of transportation facilities to enable movement of prisoners and food, where necessary, and the inadequacy of the current complement of prisons to safely house the prison population.
These issues can be seen as requiring short term and longer-term solutions. The matter of security, for instance, presents a clear and present danger to the prison warders and the public at large. Another burning issue is the lack of fire prevention systems in the prisons, most of which are constructed of wood.
The Private Sector Commission is concerned that, after two devastating prison fires, resulting in loss of lives and the escape of dangerous criminals, enough is not being done to prevent further fires.
Other matters highlighted by the Management Board include the fact that adequate funding is not being made available for the replacement of necessary equipment and vehicles. While the Commission is concerned about the safety and security of the public, it is also disturbed by the less than humane conditions under which the prison population at the Lusignan Prison is housed.
These prisoners are made to sleep under sheds in the open, posing health risks to the prisoners and a danger to the wardens. We are of the opinion that these conditions could also have an impact upon the country’s Human Rights ranking.
Minister, the Private Sector Commission believes that the vexed question of internal security is one that is hampering investor confidence and one that must be prioritised by our Government. We are, therefore, confident that you will utilise your good office to address this particular aspect of our security.
Yours sincerely,
Capt. Gerald Gouveia
Chairman, Governance and Security Sub-Committee

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