– Director of Prisons

By Ariana Gordon
SECURITY at the country’s main prison is under control, Carl Graham, Director of Prisons, said Saturday, dispelling rumours that the sick-out by prison wardens meant that the facility was under the control of prisoners. Graham admitted that inmates were more agitated than usual, but he gave the assurance that they have not taken control.
“I have been here before 5 this morning; and contrary to the reports out there, the keys for the prison are with the prison officers,” Graham told the Guyana Chronicle.
“I was here and I checked for myself…all of the keys are in the possession of the prison authority,” he emphasised.
The Opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), in a statement to the media, expressed much concern over what it described as “the dangerous state of affairs that has emerged” at the Georgetown Prison.
The party claimed that prisoners were “openly defying orders to bring about permanent peace and good order at the prison.” The PPP added that prisoners have been using mobile phones in the open while challenging those who have been placed to safeguard the facility.
The Director of Prisons (ag) made it clear that the “prison officers never surrendered the keys” to the prisoners. He told this newspaper that there are “mischievous” persons who are trying to paint a chaotic picture of what is transpiring at the jail.
He admitted that when the 13 prison officers reported sick, it was a situation for concern, but measures were immediately put in place to deal with the absence of those persons.
Prison officers from the Timehri and Lusignan prisons were temporarily ransferred to support those at the Camp Street penitentiary, and that, coupled with the support of the Joint Services, was deemed sufficient by Graham.
“Everything is under control; there is no confusion
“The prisoners came out and are now back in their cells; I supervised that process myself.
“I am here to observe and supervise that process myself…the unlock, feed-up, and every procedure,” Graham declared.
Graham said that the prisoners have been agitating about several issues.
“There are many issues that they have, and they have been raising these issues.”
He told the Guyana Chronicle that Chancellor of the Judiciary (Ag) Carl Singh and Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan visited the facility a few weeks ago and spoke with more than 250 inmates.
“They have a list of all prisoners who have court matters,” he added.
Graham noted that following that meeting, some inmates were contacted with respect to their cases.
“Some of them feel that they have been placed in prison wrongfully, and you can understand if they feel that way and have to be in an uncomfortable situation.
“It is a prison and men would not be expected to be as comfortable as they would be at home.
“They are uneasy but not out of control,” Graham stated.
Counselling
Graham disclosed that the fiery riots of March 3, 2016 which resulted in the deaths of 17 prisoners were traumatic not only for prison officers, but also for the prisoners who witnessed the events unfold.
Asked whether counselling has started, the Director of Prisons said, “Yes, the prison officers and the prisoners have received counselling.” He noted too that because of the magnitude of what transpired on March 3, those already receiving counselling may request additional counselling based on their individual needs.
“We recognise the effect this would have on all persons who were present on that day and we know it is difficult, so those who require additional counselling will be provided with it,” said Graham.
President David Granger late last week ordered that the outer cordons of the prison be extended to include D’urban, John and Bent Streets, which are currently blocked off to the public except for persons residing within those areas, as is done on Camp Street.