The PNCR on Saturday called for an independent probe of the disturbances at the New Opportunity Corps facility in Essequibo which saw a mass break-out of juvenile offenders on Wednesday and the torching of two buildings in the compound on Thursday.
The government has already announced that an inquiry will be held into the matter.
In a press release, the party expressed concern over reports of injuries to persons and damage to property.
“The Party, pointing out that this has been the most violent disturbance to have occurred in the history of the institution, has condemned plans to conduct a departmental inquiry. It feels that such an inquiry will be unlikely to determine the real causes of the crisis.
“The PNCR recognises the fact that the youths who are sent to the New Opportunity Corps should not be treated or housed like prison inmates. The Corps is meant to provide full-time vocational training in a correctional setting for young people to allow students to pursue fulfilling careers.
“The PNCR calls on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to ensure the safety of all students placed in their charge and to protect the property of the Corps. The Party also calls on the Ministry of Human Services and the Ministry of Home Affairs to respond promptly and sympathetically to the needs of the young students with the aim of preventing a recurrence”, the release said
Reports are that 14 inmates of the juvenile facility who are seen as the ringleaders behind the break-out and arson were handed over to the police and charges are likely to be laid.
More than 100 youth are housed at the facility ad 80% of them are male.
