MORE young men and women who have been incarcerated for minor offences are likely to be pardoned by President David Granger in May, when Guyana celebrates its 50th anniversary.The President gave the hint during his weekly televised programme – The Public Interest – aired on Thursday.
“Maybe in May 2016, when the opportunity comes again, there might be young men and other girls who may not be mothers who might be considered,” he said.

Already, 71 prisoners have been granted presidential pardon under the APNU+AFC Government. It was explained that those who have been, and will be, pardoned are offenders who would have been sentenced for non-violent offences or minor misdemeanours that do not involve trafficking in persons or trafficking in narcotics.

Approximately one week before Christmas, the President pardoned 11 young mothers, saying children should not be separated from their mothers, especially around the Christmas Season. Despite the views of critics, President Granger has said his decision is an act of “compassion”.

“Some people tend to confuse (the pardon) with the prerogative of mercy. The Constitution has permitted me to act, and everything I have done so far is in accordance with the Constitution,” President Granger has said.

The Government, in May, took a decision to free 60 prisoners between the ages of 18 and 25, who were sentenced for minor misdemeanours. It is the view of President Granger that young people should be in pursuit of higher learning, as against being locked away in prison.

Pardoned offenders are expected to participate in rehabilitative programmes that would help them to effectively reintegrate into society. It is the hope of the President and his Administration that those who have been, and will be, given a second chance make a meaningful contribution to the development of Guyana.

Social activist Sherlina Nageer has come out in support of President Granger’s heavily criticised decision to pardon young men and women who have been locked away for minor offences. Nageer, who has been at the forefront in the fight for equality and women’s rights, told this newspaper that, in some instances, both men and women are unjustly imprisoned for petty, non-violent crimes, while the “bigger fishes are left to walk free”.

These petty “criminals”, she said, especially women, are driven to commit illegal acts out of economic desperation. “When they are jailed, their children and families suffer even more, and society ends up paying an even bigger price down the line. This is not justice at all,” she contended.

Nageer is of the opinion that Guyana’s justice system needs an overhaul. “There are no standards; magistrates operate willy-nilly. Also, more needs to be done to prevent folks from ending up under such pressure in the first place,” the social activist pointed out.

She said greater attention has to be paid to financially empowering women, youths and other vulnerable groups, so as to give them an alternative to the crooked path.