Just three days after the Government ordered the widening of the cordon around the Camp Street jail and the stepping up of security around it by the Joint Services, the Minister of Public Security has reported that the situation inside the jailhouse is now stable.
The move by the government came after 13 prison officers reported ill on Thursday morning. Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan told News Source this afternoon, that many of the Prison Officers have reported back to work and have been meeting with the Director of Prisons.
He said he was briefed on the situation this morning by the Prisons Director and it was reported to him that the situation has returned to a stable state.
Ramjattan also rubbished reports in another section of the media that the prison had been over taken by inmates during the sick-out by the 13 prison officers.
“That never took place. There was never a situation where the prison was overtaken by inmates” he said, as he asked that there be responsible reporting on issues related to the prison system and security matters.
He said the Joint Services will remain in place to continue to boost security inside and around the jail house.
Relatives of some inmates have called for the government to hold a follow up meeting with representatives of prisoners, so that the government could be properly updated about the state of affairs within the Camp Street jail.
Back in March, Minister of State Joe Harmon and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, met and held discussions with a group of prisoners who represented the interests of inmates who were protesting at the time.
That meeting came just after 17 prisoners were killed in a fiery protest that has since triggered a Commission of Inquiry. The Commission Inquiry is continuing and is expected to complete its work by the end of May.
The Georgetown Camp Street Prison was built to accommodate 600 inmates. It currently has a population of over 950.
The Prison Service is also understaffed.
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