Prison Service receives $8M speedboat to enhance operations

The movement of prisoners, particularly those housed at the Mazaruni Prison, as well as timely response has been enhanced as the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) on Wednesday received an $8M speedboat with accompanying engine.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Adele Cole-Clarke handed over the new speedboat to Director of Prisons (ag) Nicklon Elliot following a simple ceremony held in the compound of the Parika Police station.

The donation forms part of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) programme, which was launched to reduce overcrowding in prisons in Guyana.

In his address, Elliot said the donation will further help to improve the overall performance of the prison service.

He pointed out that the speedboat will be utilised mainly by the Mazaruni Prison, as the main mode of transportation to and from that facility is by river.

“The donation of this speedboat will definitely enhance our response capability at Mazaruni.

It will also help to fast-track prisoners attending clinic and other appointment in a very timely manner. It will enhance our searching and patrol operational aspect,” Elliot said.

Cole-Clarke said the government is committed to providing the necessary assistance to the Prison Service to ensure there is improvement in the delivery of justice in the country.

“We know you will make good use of it so that it can bring benefits to you as officers within the prison system and to the inmates who will be utilising the service,” Cole-Clarke said.