President David Granger today spoke of plans to at least once per year, review the custodial sentences of youths, especially women and young persons, in particular, for non-violent offences.
It is unclear what form this review will take as once the courts have decided on sentences there is little the administration can do outside of a presidential pardon.
“I really feel that separating a woman from her children, for minor offences is not in the culture of APNU + AFC, and we should try as far as possible to keep families together”, GINA reported Granger as saying at the swearing in of Minister of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon as the Secretary of the Defence Board.
Granger stated that the time would be better spent in school rather than in jail, and “As far as possible, we should look at those cases. We know the law may have to be revised.”
He added that for misdemeanors, discretion can be applied and those found guilty could be returned to the school system.
“I have asked the Minister of Public Security to investigate the emergence of some Non Governmental Organisations to do rehabilitation (of youths).”
He is also of the opinion that for persons under age 25, it would be useful for the government to cooperate with NGOs, “which can encourage young people who have committed minor offences to get back into the world of work.”
The President told GINA that unless young offenders are violent or dangerous, they should be rehabilitated, and be contributing members of society.
As part of observances for Guyana’s 49th Independence Anniversary celebrations, President Granger announced his intention to pardon 60 non-violent youth offenders.
