Currently, the Georgetown Prison is considered “relatively stable” despite the challenges it faces, Director of Prisons Dale Erskine has said.
The statement was in response to a February 15, 2011 Kaieteur News story, “Officers Fear Security Threat at Georgetown Pri-son,” which Erskine said was “purportedly gleaned from an interview with Prison Officer Jermaine Charles.”
According to Erskine, the article was noted “with grave concern” by the Prison Directorate, and he noted that it was “unaware of any mini-riots and threats of unrest occurring within the Georgetown Prison over the past several months.” He said further that “currently the Georgetown Prison is considered relatively stable in spite of the multidimensional challenges it faces, like any other penal institution around the world.”
He noted that issues of staffing and security threats are dynamic challenges within the current prison setting. “However,” Erskine added, “diligent efforts are made by both the Prison Directorate and Ministry of Home Affairs to address the challenges facing both inmates and staff at all prison locations throughout Guyana.”
Additionally, it was noted that the Guyana Prison Service, as a member of the Joint Services, has been receiving yeoman support from other Joint Services entities to maintain the security integrity of prison locations.
In this regard, Erskine said there are several security support systems which provide the Joint Services with the platform to effectively res-pond to any major security threat occurring at any prison location.
The Guyana Prison Service, he further assured, remains resolute in providing a safe and secure environment for prisoners, officers and by extension, the society at large. “I would therefore like to take this opportunity to commend the hardworking and committed staff, who remain steadfast to their mandates of security and good management of the prison system,” he concluded.
