Some 689 prisoners have been relocated from the holding bay to the new Lusignan corrections facilities, a “monumental task” that followed the completion of the three state-of-the-art prisons, a release from the Ministry of Home Affairs said on Monday.
“This transfer required tremendous forethought and coordination given the logistics and security concerns,” Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot said during a visit to the facility earlier on Monday.
“Ensuring a safe and secure move to our new state-of-the-art corrections facilities were a monumental task and we congratulate everyone involved on a job well done”, he said.
The new facilities were built in keeping with international requirements, and constitute a commitment of the Government of Guyana following the destruction of sections of the George-town and the old Lusignan prisons.
It also forms part of the administration’s manifesto promise to create safer prisons with improved conditions for both staff and prisoners.
The release said that prisoners are now housed in a dormitory-style setting furnished with beds and mattresses, unlike the holding bay facility. The facilities also feature a fire suppression system with adequate access to water.
“The new facilities will offer improved living conditions for prisoners and a more comfortable environment”, the Prison Director said.
Elliot also said that the question of overcrowding is no longer a concern. Over the years Guyana’s prison population stood at some 30 to 38 per cent over capacity.
Further, the new facilities will facilitate new programming opportunities, aimed to help individuals better re-enter society, the release added.
The holding bay had been the scene of unrest over the years and multiple escapes by prisoners.
