PUBLIC Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has told the Guyana Chronicle that given the overcrowding situation at the Camp Street Prison, and because the location is very residential, there are talks of the possibility of constructing a prison somewhere in the Demerara River area, preferably on one of the islands.The minister disclosed that he observed the A and B Blocks of the Capital Section of the Camp Street Prison were very crowded, and that many prisoners had shouted out to him to complain about prison life and its difficulties.

He said those incarcerated asked to have early trials, since they have been languishing in jail for a long time, awaiting trial.

Following Thursday night’s collapse of a water tank trestle at the Camp Street Prison, and the resultant damage that had been done to a section of the zinc fence and the ablution area of the Condemned Block, Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, as Public Security Minister, visited the jail Friday to get a first-hand assessment of the damage.

The minister described the incident as very unfortunate after touring the penitentiary. He spent about one-and-a -half hours interacting with prison officials and inmates.

Minister Ramjattan said repairs are being effected to the Brick Block, the damaged section of which houses three washrooms for condemned prisoners. He disclosed that prisoners housed there would be relocated until rehabilitation works have been completed to both the fence and damaged section. The trestle would also have to be rebuilt to accommodate water tanks which provide potable water to the ablution area, where there are three washrooms.

Minister Ramjattan said he has learnt that when big trucks pass the Camp Street Prison via D’Urban Street, another water trestle on that side would shake uncontrollably, and he said it has to be fixed before it collapses.

He said he is nevertheless thankful that no one was injured when the trestle collapsed on Thursday night at about 21:00 hrs, and he was proud that prison officials, backed up by the police, took control of the security of the prisoners.

The minister added that the authorities are in consultation with engineers, and when he goes to Cabinet on Tuesday, he would lobby for some money to be spent on rehabilitation of the damaged

section of the Camp Street Prison.

Minister Ramjattan revealed that, since the incident, security in and around the prisons has been increased, and more roadside patrols are being done during the night until rehabilitation works are completed. (Michel Outridge)