The main opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has blamed the David Granger-led government for the fatal disturbance at the Georgetown Prison on Thursday.
“This virtual rebellion within the prison walls is the worst of its kind in recent history,” the PPP said as it registered its utter shock and horror at the tragedy in a brief statement. “…the Granger-led administration must take full responsibility for this disaster,” it added.
The prisoners died after a fire was started by inmates housed in the Capital Offences section of the prison during renewed unrest, which occurred just before 11am. At the time, members of the Joint Services were seeking to get the prisoners out following a protest on the night before when several fires had been lit. Five others prisoners were injured.
The party called on the government to provide the nation with a comprehensive and truthful update on what transpired.
“A Board of Inquiry must be established immediately to investigate the circumstances that led to this sorry state of affairs at the Georgetown Prisons. We will have much more to say on this matter as the situation unfolds,” the PPP further said.
President Granger has ordered the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate the circumstances and causes of the tragedy to ensure that there is never a recurrence.
