Overcrowding in Guyana’s prisons continues to be a challenge for authorities, but the works ongoing at the Lusignan, East Coast Demerara prison is likely to help in addressing this issue.
During an inspection yesterday by the Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary, Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas, it was revealed that the prison population is between 30 and 38 percent over what prisons in the country can accommodate.
With an estimated cost of over GYD$3B, works at the Lusignan Prison will see the construction of a section that will accommodate the relocation of female prison from New Amsterdam, Berbice.
Additionally, the construction of new cell blocks at Lots One, Two, and Three are at 85, 70, and 65 percent completion respectively, and is projected to be finished in August this year. Construction works have also commenced on cell blocks Lot 4-6.
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot said the construction of the facilities is to accommodate 1,000 prisoners who will be housed in keeping with international requirements.
“Prisoners will be living in the dormitory-style setting where they will be furnished with beds and mattresses, unlike the holding bay facility. So, the facility will be one which is modern and in keeping with those specifications that require prisoners to be housed within the prison,” Director Elliot said.
A Vocational School for inmates will also be constructed to accommodate training and decrease recidivism and further promote Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn’s “Fresh Start” initiative. Works on this project commenced earlier this month.
Meanwhile, the ongoing work to construct an Infirmary Annex and overhead water storage tanks and water treatment plants, which also commenced in January 2022, are at 40 percent and 35 percent complete respectively.
