DESPITE the efforts and warning by the Guyana Prison Service and the Ministry of Home Affairs to prison employees and other persons who have interest at the prisons to desist from engaging in smuggling prohibited items beyond the prison walls the practice persists.

On Thursday night a female prison officer who has been in the prison employ for more than ten years was caught with marijuana in her possession by her supervisor. She was at the time performing her duties at the Lusignan Prison and it was not immediately clear how the supervisor became aware that the woman had the illegal substance in her possession.
The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed by persons close to the investigation that after the item was discovered the prison officer’s senior on duty at the time followed the normal procedures and carried out a search on the woman and her personal belongings.
The police were then called in and she was taken into custody. Sources also confirmed that the woman would remain in custody for the entire weekend as the investigations into the matter continue.
She is likely to appear in the Vigilance Magistrate Court on Monday charged with an offence under the Prisons Act.
Yesterday when this publication tried to contact recently confirmed director of Prison Welton Trotz our efforts were futile. We were however informed that very late yesterday afternoon Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee was to receive a briefing on the development at the Lusignan Prison.
Also yesterday, efforts to ascertain the name of the prison officer who committed the act were futile.
Section 53 Sub-Section 1 rule of the Prison states among other things that anyone who attempts to introduce or hide by any means any item which is prohibited for a prisoner shall be liable to an offence.
The Section also states that any prison or police officer who is convicted under the section shall in addition to the normal punishment for the civilians be liable to forfeit his or her office and any arrears of salary due to him or her and also any pension to which he or she may be entitled to.

(By Leroy Smith)