…security forces restore order, all inmates accounted for

SOME 15 prisoners are said to have sustained injuries, while there were no deaths or escapes following a riot that led to a fire at the East Coast Demerara Lusignan Prison around 12:45hrs on Sunday.

According to reports from the police, the riot erupted after an investigative unit went into the prison to conduct a search, following narcotics being found at the prison. The injured were taken to receive medical attention, while the police reported that all prisoners were accounted for by 16:00hrs. The fire is said to have completely destroyed a section of the building that housed a number of prisoners.

Several Guyana Fire Service tenders were deployed to the location, and were aided by rainy weather conditions in their battle to out the flames. Prisoners could be heard screaming as thick smoke billowed from the building. As the relevant joint services protocol was activated, several units from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Guyana Police Force (GPF) were sent to the scene.

Several ambulances were also seen moving to and from the prison as the day progressed. “Joint Services ranks were able to contain the riot and escort most prisoners from the Lusignan prison to nearby facilities,” a GPF statement said on Sunday afternoon. “The situation is contained at this time and logistics and other systems are being implemented.” Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels and Fire Chief Marlon Gentle were not available for comment, up to press time