Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee is yet to receive the report of a board of enquiry that he had established to conduct an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding last month’s jail break at the Mazaruni Prison.
The police had conducted their investigation, which led to two prison officers being charged with negligently allowing persons to escape.
Contacted last evening, Rohee confirmed that the report had not been submitted as yet.
According to the minister, members of the board have not contacted him. He said he did not want to put the board under undue pressure and as such he was willing to wait.
Rohee on January 20 appointed six persons to serve on the board of enquiry. Among the persons are former acting police commissioner Floyd McDonald, crime prevention specialist Errol Van Nooten and Prison Services Assistant Superin-tendent Rev Fay Clarke.
The board was expected to enquire into several issues including the circumstances surrounding the escape prior to, during and after the escape, all matters relating to and incidental to the escape and the existing security arrangements in respect of the custody, management and control of prisoners. The board commenced its work on January 24 and was scheduled to complete its task by yesterday and on conclusion submit a report of its findings to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Around 16:15 hrs on January 12, nine prisoners escaped from the facility during a routine feeding exercise. They were all recaptured within two weeks of their escape.
