President David Granger has granted pardons to three female prisoners who are all serving sentences at the New Amsterdam Prison.
A release yesterday from the Ministry of the Presidency said that the Presidential Pardons take effect today. The pardons have been granted pursuant to Article 188 (1) (a) of the Constitution.
The three female inmates to be released are Joanna Beckles, who was charged with forgery and sentenced to nine months in prison; Felicia Henry, who was charged with larceny of cash and sentenced to 18 months in prison and Keysha Gibbs, who was charged with break and enter and larceny and sentenced to 36 months in prison.
Last December the release said that the Head of State granted Presidential Pardons to five women who were serving sentences for non-violent, non-narcotic offences. Article 188 (1) (a) of the Constitution states that “The President may grant to any person concerned in or convicted of any offence under the laws of Guyana, a pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions”.
The conditions outlined in the Constitution were met and the Head of State had the requisite consultations with the Minister of Public Security, the release said.
It is the President’s wish to see mothers at home with their children especially during the Christmas season and as such, women who are charged with non-violent crimes and fit the necessary conditions are eligible for a Presidential pardon, the release said.
