Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Andre Ally, paid an impromptu visit to the Mazaruni Prison Complex on Wednesday and was told that Phase Two of the construction at the maximum security facility was 75% complete.
A Ministry of Home Affairs press release said that Ally was told that Phase Two of the project has reached 75 percent completion and carries an estimated cost of $700 million. The facility when completed will aid in minimizing overcrowding while meeting international standards. The extension of ten living quarters dedicated to prison officers, valued at over $89 million is 95 percent complete. Construction of the Phase II fence is 95 percent complete and carries a cost of over $66 million. The fence, when completed, will fortify the security infrastructure of the prison while ensuring a safe and controlled internal environment.
The Prison’s boundary fence and watchtower construction, is currently 50 complete and the construction of the officers’ mess, designed to provide recreational space for both senior and junior officers, is being done at a cost of over $57 million and is currently at 5 percent completion. The ongoing rehabilitation of the administrative building, previously a colonial structure, stands at 78 percent completion. Ally, the release said, was also briefed on the various rehabilitation initiatives being undertaken at the facility and witnessed prisoners engaged in learning practical skills, such as constructing a speedboat.
The PS’ visit, according to the ministry, underscores the prison’s commitment to rehabilitation and skills development and providing inmates with opportunities for their productive reintegration into society, and to minimize recidivism which forms part of Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn’s Fresh Start initiative. The Permanent Secretary was accompanied by Deputy Director of Prisons, Kevin Pilgrim, and Head of the Strategic Management Department of the Guyana Prison Service, Rae-Dawn Corbin, and Officer-in-Charge, Carlton Cameron.
A stunning escape on May 19 this year from the Mazaruni prison by death row prisoner Mark Royden Williams called ‘Smallie’ sparked consternation. The convicted killer escaped with the aid of heavily armed accomplices in a speedboat at Mazaruni Prison just around 14:30 hours while he was being escorted back to his quarters following a visit. Williams was shot dead on June 1st during a confrontation with the Joint Services.
