By Neil Marks

The State is considering compensation for the families of the 17 men who died in Thursday’s prison riot, with President David Granger saying “on the part of the Government of Guyana, we deeply regret the loss of life.”

“The families could be assured that the government is aware of the plight they might be facing at this time and we will do our best to relieve their discomfort,” Granger said during a recording of his weekly television programme, The Public Interest.

Prisoners awaiting trial began a protest Wednesday evening after Police and Army seized mobile phones and ganja during a usual monthly raid for illegal items within the prison walls. They set nine fires, using mattresses on Wednesday evening, but a new fire mid-morning Thursday engulfed the Capital A section, causing the death of the 17 men.

“This is certainly the worst prison riot we have had in Guyana, but we never expected any disturbance in the prison would degenerate to what we’ve seen over the last couple of days,” the President said.

Police and Army are currently battling a new round of protest in the prison. The prison was built to accommodate 600 prisoners but the population is almost 1, 000.

The arrangements to bring “relief” to the families of the men who died in the riot will be finalised following discussions between the President and the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan.

The President said the relief package was being considered, “even though these are persons who might have been there (because of) criminal purposes.

“…the state would like to assert that we are responsible for the lives of all of our citizens and the children of those victims.

“So I would be discussing with the Minister of Public Security how we can extend some relief to those families,” Granger stated.

A Board of Inquiry is expected to be named shortly to inquire into the circumstances surrounding the riot and to make recommendations “to prevent a recurrence,” President Granger stated.