For Roxanne Winfield, reaching the age of 49 is more than a milestone – it’s a miracle. The former prison officer was fortunate to have survived being shot in the head at point blank range, by one of five criminals who broke out of the Camp Street Prisons, eleven years ago.
On that fateful day, Winfield was manning the inner gate of the prison while her colleague, 21-year- old Troy Williams was responsible for the outer gate, when tragedy struck.
Five desperate criminals, Andrew Douglas, Dale Moore, Shawn Browne, Mark Fraser and Troy Dick, advanced towards her at her post and demanded the keys to facilitate their escape. However, she stood her ground refused to hand over the keys and opted to throw them away in an attempt to thwart their escape, unaware of the consequences her action would bring.
Angered by her defiance, one of the criminals, later identified as Shawn Browne, shot her in the head. Williams who attempted to render assistance was stabbed to death. Ensuing weeks would see Winfield battling to live, having to undergo two surgeries, one at the Georgetown Public Hospital and another in Trinidad and Tobago.
Today, Winfield is plagued by the memories of what took place over one decade ago, her inability to adequately care for herself and a speech impairment which hinders her from enunciating her words is a permanent reminder. But instead of being bitter over the cruel twist of fate which has left her permanently disfigured, Winfield is grateful for having been able to defy the odds and survive her near death experience. She thanks God daily for life.
In salute to her heroism and strength in the face of adversary, prison officers present and retired, family members and friends congregated at the New Amsterdam Prison’s Sports Club, last Saturday, to celebrate Winfield’s 49th birthday. Showered with gifts and glowing tributes testifying to her strength in overcoming such a tragedy, the birthday girl was given the royal treatment.
“People working in the police force and in the prisons, risk their lives and sometimes do not get the rewards they ought to have,” lamented Pastor Phillip Rose, a member of the Visiting Committee attached to the New Amsterdam Prison. In his speech he said the events of February 23, 2002, are a sign that “we should pay more attention to the men and women who risk their lives, for our country… the security of our society, and the safety of our communities”. He went on to say “God has kept you [Winfield], so that others can see the importance of honouring those who risk their lives for our security”. He added that all Guyanese should be grateful for such a service and ask themselves “What can we do to assist and encourage them?”
Rose concluded by commending Winfield’s family for sticking with and supporting her. “You are the ones who know what it is, who felt the loss of her vibrancy… who give her a reason to fight to live”.
Former officer-in-charge of New Amsterdam Prison Superintendent (rtd) Ronald Hazel reminisced on the days he worked alongside Winfield. “Today I reflect on those days when we use to be traversing the yards in Georgetown; nobody knew tragedy would strike when it did,” the very emotional Hazel said, “but nevertheless, from the time I started working with Winfield she has served with dignity and courage. She is truly a phenomenal woman.”
A special iced cake was sliced and served to Winfield by a relative before the Office in Charge of New Amsterdam Prison Superintendent Linden Cornette presented a throng of gifts to her on behalf of the prison service and members of the community.
