A report done by a Board of Inquiry to investigate claims of misconduct at the Lusignan Prison has found inefficiency in the management of the facility and Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee has said the findings would be used to prevent similar allegations at other prisons.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, the Board was established in May to conduct an inquiry into allegations of mismanagement at the senior level, the use of narcotics by officers, pilfering and unaccountability of stores (rations) and equipment. It submitted the report to the minister on Tuesday. “Officially, there was “Some level of inefficiency in management of Lusignan Prison,” GINA said, adding that the report also listed a number of recommendations to be implemented in the short and long-term. In this regard, the recommendations include training for staff stationed at the prison, upgrades in infrastructure throughout the facility and a system review of the prison’s accounting procedures. Disciplinary action will be taken against offending officers. The minister, who said the Board’s report is being reviewed, noted that it will be used as a prototype to ensure that similar allegations do not arise at other prison locations
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The Board comprised several senior officers within the Guyana Prison Service, including Deputy Director of Prisons Lt Col Malcolm McAndrews, Senior Superintendent Dennis Pompey, Basil Persaud and Gordon Smith. The investigation entailed conducting interviews and examining documents at the prison. The minister pointed out that boards of inquiry are launched as a result of particular circumstances requiring them or by special request. In this regard, there are no such existing questions in relation to any of the other prisons, he said.
Rohee said the ministry, with input from stakeholders such as the Lusignan Prison Visiting Committee, will institute several follow-up measurers after studying the report. The Committee which comprises civilians has the authority, under the prison act, to visit all prisons and review recommendations, such as those prescribed in the report.
