President pardons four prisoners charged with marijuana offences

President David Granger on Wednesday pardoned four inmates who were charged with marijuana-related offences.

A statement from the Ministry of Public Security noted that the prisoners are 39-year-old Robert Bhagnauth; Michael Gouveia, 23; Andy Roberts, 38; and Joseph Yaw, 54.

The pardons take effect on August 1, 2019, in observance of Emancipation Day.

“It is expected that this expression of compassion and humanity by His Excellency will result in these prisoners reuniting with their families and leading good and useful lives hereon,” the statement noted.

The President granted the pardons using his powers under article 188 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

It was noted that Robert Bhagnauth is serving a three-year sentence in the Mazaruni Prison while Michael Gouveia is serving a three-year sentence at the Timehri Prison both for the offence of Possession of Cannabis.

Additionally, Andy Roberts is serving a sentence of two years at the Lusignan Prison for the offence of Smoked Cannabis and Mr. Joseph Yaw, who is serving a sentence of two years and ten months in the Georgetown Prison ‘B’ for the Possession of Cannabis.