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The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) yesterday refuted a statement proffered by ex-prison officer, Suzie Wong-Yip, which was published in the Kaieteur News on March 3, stating that it was “malicious, slanderous, and vindictive.” Wong-Yip said that basic human rights are violated in Guyana’s prisons on a daily basis. A release from the GPS stated that this is a blatant attempt by Wong-Yip to tarnish the good image of the GPS as a result of her being recommended for dismissal for unlawfully absenting herself from duty.
“During her tenure, Wong-Yip never lived up to the established ethical values expected of a prison officer as her personal file will reflect the disciplinary actions taken against her for acts of indiscipline and accusation of unethical behavior, which include having an unusual and inappropriate affair with a prisoner and trafficking in prohibited articles,” the release stated.
The prison administration stated that the ex- prison officer’s slanderous outburst in the media does not come as a surprise, since she was transferred to the Timehri prison for slandering the name of another colleague.
The GPS is an orderly system that is regulated by established financial arrangements which are open to regular scrutiny from auditors, from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Auditor General’s Office. Moreover, the prison service is not in receipt of any audit query in relation to the anecdotal accusations made by Wong-Yip.
According to the release, the security nature of the prison system requires staff to work beyond the call of duty, a responsibility which is accepted by dedicated and loyal prison officers. These officers are well aware that the service they provide is for the greater good of the society and they are adequately compensated for off-duties.
“It is important to state that salaries of all staff members are paid through the bank and there are no deductions apart from statutory ones. Expenses incurred by officers and/or as a result of disciplinary matters, are deducted from the salaries of officers. No money is deducted from the salary of any rank for tickets,” the release stated.
The GPS’s procedures on promotions and disciplinary enquiries can stand the test of transparency and fairness. Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the prisons directorate have the right to reject any gift to the Prison Department on grounds of principle.
The comments made against the Director of Prisons, Dale Erskine, to the effect that he is responsible for a lot of “wrongdoings”, are slanderous and the appropriate actions will be taken to address this defamation of character.
The GPS is conscious that there will always be attempts to tarnish its image, but the prisons directorate stands committed to administering this institution consistent with established procedures, and in a fair and accountable manner.
“During her tenure, Wong-Yip never lived up to the established ethical values expected of a prison officer as her personal file will reflect the disciplinary actions taken against her for acts of indiscipline and accusation of unethical behavior, which include having an unusual and inappropriate affair with a prisoner and trafficking in prohibited articles,” the release stated.
The prison administration stated that the ex- prison officer’s slanderous outburst in the media does not come as a surprise, since she was transferred to the Timehri prison for slandering the name of another colleague.
The GPS is an orderly system that is regulated by established financial arrangements which are open to regular scrutiny from auditors, from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Auditor General’s Office. Moreover, the prison service is not in receipt of any audit query in relation to the anecdotal accusations made by Wong-Yip.
According to the release, the security nature of the prison system requires staff to work beyond the call of duty, a responsibility which is accepted by dedicated and loyal prison officers. These officers are well aware that the service they provide is for the greater good of the society and they are adequately compensated for off-duties.
“It is important to state that salaries of all staff members are paid through the bank and there are no deductions apart from statutory ones. Expenses incurred by officers and/or as a result of disciplinary matters, are deducted from the salaries of officers. No money is deducted from the salary of any rank for tickets,” the release stated.
The GPS’s procedures on promotions and disciplinary enquiries can stand the test of transparency and fairness. Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the prisons directorate have the right to reject any gift to the Prison Department on grounds of principle.
The comments made against the Director of Prisons, Dale Erskine, to the effect that he is responsible for a lot of “wrongdoings”, are slanderous and the appropriate actions will be taken to address this defamation of character.
The GPS is conscious that there will always be attempts to tarnish its image, but the prisons directorate stands committed to administering this institution consistent with established procedures, and in a fair and accountable manner.
