Georgetown Prison

THE INMATES at the Georgetown Prison are calling for the setting up of a Parliamentary Committee — of all parties in Parliament, as well as the Guyana Council of Churches, the Guyana Human Rights Association and the TUC to urgently investigate certain practices at the Georgetown Prison.

The inmates are calling on President Desmond Hoyte to set up this Committee and also to visit the prison to get a first-hand look.

Firstly, despite the good work of the Senior Supt. of Prisons, Mr. Donald Mentis who is doing his best to upgrade the facilities, a number of officers at all levels are disrupting the plans.

The inmates are calling for an investigation into the kitchen where head cook Lewis, would like to improve the food quality but is meeting with all kinds of obstacles.

The stores need to be managed by a Public Servant and not a Prison Officer.

The attitudes of some officers, especially some in the Reception Section, need to be looked at.

The inmates are also calling for an investigation into the Prison Hospital where certain practices involving certain officers and prisoners including a well known prisoner are in full progress. The system of transferring (and not transferring) prisoners to the PHG also needs urgent investigation and overhaul. Also, prisoners sometimes do not receive all the drugs allocated.

The inmates believe the printery, art, craft and carpentry shops, chain link fencing unit and the tailor shop can be made economically viable and not only teaching units for the benefits of prisoners but a money earner for the prison.

A proper agricultural project near the City should be set up. There is need for a proper welfare officer and more library, video and cultural activities.

The sleeping accommodation, health and sanitary conditions, and illegal sale of drugs, the dining hall and remand areas Number One and Two need to be looked at.

The attitudes of Prison Officers in all areas should be made a priority. Some need to be transferred. The Georgetown Prison is a nightmare and a proper investigation is needed now.

Since my release on bail on March 9, 1988 I’ve written the Minister of Home Affairs about the problems in the Georgetown Prison.

I was in Prison when I saw a Prison Officer throw hot porridge on a prisoner and despite letters to the authorities nothing has been done about it.

Please publish this letter because President H.D. Hoyte and the government are not aware of the conditions at the Georgetown Prison. GEORGE FRASER