Security were forced to open fire on inmates at the newly constructed temporary holding facility of the Lusignan Prison after the prisoners began being extremely aggressive towards each other.
Reports are that 16 prisoners were shot and injured while another four suffered injuries as a result of fights among the prisoners. There were no deaths or escapes.
Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels late this afternoon confirmed that at approximately 16:20hrs today inmates at the holding area of the Lusignan Prison were involved in a series of assaults and aggressive conduct which resulted in extreme disorder.
Reports are that the situation threatened the prisoner’s safety, that of the joint services team providing security and could have compromised the integrity of the facility.
As a last resort, the use of force, including firearms, was required to restore order and maintain the integrity of the holding facility.
Three prisoners had to receive medical attention and were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation; one has since been admitted while the others were being treated on site at the Lusignan Prison Infirmary.
None of those who were shot are, at this time, deemed to be in a life-threatening condition.
The Guyana Prison Service said it regrets that this course of action had to be taken but was left with no other option given the extreme disorder which broke out in the holding area and the refusal of the prisoners to heed the commands of the officers to desist. (Information provided by the DPI)
