Dear Editor,
Newspaper reports state that a recently conducted search of the New Amsterdam Prison unearthed several contraband items. Inclusion of the word “prison” did very little in helping me understand the existence of contraband in a place where the level of security should be paramount. For far too long the country has been battling this scourge mainly at the Georgetown, Mazaruni, and New Amsterdam and Timehri penitentiaries. Smuggling contraband into a prison without the collusion of the prison personnel (prison officers) is one thing, but retention of the contraband item for any length of time requires their help. In 2008, US correctional experts Carlyle Holder and Robert Matthews concluded that most of the illegal articles found in the prison were taken in by staff members. They both suggested that if a warden wanted to use the argument of low remuneration to justify his/her illegal actions, then that person should find another job, since, according to them, being a prison warden is a public service, and public servants all around the world are among the lowest paid employees in a country.
In December 2018 following search activities carried out across all the prison facilities in Guyana, contraband items still continued to make their way past the prison officers. As a consequence Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels disclosed that scanners would be introduced to help clamp down on same reoccurring. “We have been locking up the errant officers but the problem is we can’t get them all so that’s why we will be introducing scanners especially at the main prison to monitor the system electronically so we can be more efficient in detecting these persons who are smuggling the goods inside.” Were these electronic scanners ever obtained? Or was the promise just another display of inane vaporing on the part of the Prison Director? Cameras should be installed to monitor employee and inmate activity. The disparity in earning potential between smuggling and salary makes corruption a feasible and appealing option. There is a call for improved hiring screening and likely salary revision, but while this may reduce some of the corruption, more corruption actually stems from the lack of consequences for corrupt behavior. A swift and clear message must be sent along with lengthy prison sentences that would serve as deterrents for potential aspirants.
Searches at the entrance to the prison constitute a critical front-line measure, and a possible diminution may also occur if everyone is searched including guards, visitors, dignitaries and their retinues, news crews, doctors, priests, and deliverymen, then they ought to be able to stop nearly all smuggling. Additionally, consideration should be given to the establishment of specially trained staff to conduct cell searches, thereby eliminating the possibility of the wolf being disguised in the sheep’s uniform. There has been a definite tradeoff between thoroughness of scrutiny and morale. To diminish the entry of contraband items within the prison requires a commitment by correctional administrators to improve and upgrade the general correctional environment, particularly the working conditions for prison officers. The hard truth be told –the guards are accessory to the prisoners being in control. The time is now at hand and clear for all to understand – The Government of Guyana, The Justice System, Prison Directors and Administrators are called upon to collaboratively take a firm stand in totally eradicating prison contraband. The inmates have had their say, now it’s your turn to play. Aleuta continua—- The struggle continues.
Sincerely,
Y. Sam
