AS the first phase of the Mazaruni Prison is expected to be completed before year- end, a new speed boat that can carry 14 persons in the event of an emergency was handed over to the Guyana Prison Service on Tuesday.

The $10.9M boat constructed by Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC) was handed over to acting Prisons Director, Gladwin Samuels by Public Security Ministry Permanent Secretary, Daneilla Mc Calmon at GNIC wharf.
The boat was built following a request from the Ministry of Public Security for the Guyana Prison Service.

“Over the years we have acquired a number of speed boats but they were either constructed of wood or fiber glass, we would have seen rapid deterioration of those boats which resulted in only one being in operation, so because the first phase of the Mazaruni expansion will be completed before the end of the year,” he said.
The prison director said this will result in an additional 200 prisoners being housed at the prison and it is necessary to plan ahead and ensure all the necessary resources are in place.

He said the boat will also be used to quickly shuttle high profile prisoners to the hospital.
“While this is a step in the right direction and is the acquisition of a first vessel of such nature, I am confident with the continuous growth of Mazaruni Prison we will see additional river assets being added to the location,” the prison director said.

CEO of GNIC, Clinton Williams said marine transportation is critical to the Mazaruni Prisons and the company has since produced its second vessel for the prison and is capable of servicing aspects of the oil and gas sector.