President David Granger has granted presidential pardon to two students of the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) by virtue of the powers vested in him under Article 188 (1) (a) and 188 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana. The two students were serving sentences for simple larceny.
Since ascending to office in 2015, President Granger, in accordance with the Constitution, released two previous sets of students of the NOC.
Article 188 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Guyana states that the President has the power to grant any person concerned in, or convicted of, any offence under the laws of Guyana, a pardon, either free or subject to lawful condition.
The President may also grant to any person a respite, either indefinite or for a specified period, of the execution of any punishment imposed on that person for such an offence. He may also substitute a less severe form of punishment for any punishment imposed on any person for such an offence, or remit the whole or part of any punishment imposed on any person for such an offence or of any penalty or forfeiture otherwise due to the State on account of such an offence under Article 188.
As such, with effect from May 26, 2019, the President ordered the release of the two students so that they can be re-integrated into their families.
