$47M Mazaruni Prison completed
... Minister Gajraj impressed with job
Guyana Chronicle
October 16, 2003
GINA - Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj, says he is satisfied with the works on the Mazaruni Prison and the operations being carried out within the Prison community.
The Minister visited the Prison on Monday while on an outreach programme in Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni).
The $47M building has over 37 cells, each accommodating three to five inmates.
It was noted that the ventilation of the building is excellent and sanitary facilities for the prisoners, adequate.
Director of Prison Dale Erskine commenting on the structure said, "I think it is a great improvement from what is was earlier. The consultants and the architects took a lot of things into consideration and the security seems satisfactory."
The work was executed by Andre Howard Contracting Company and the contractor has praised his workmen for the job.
Minister Gajraj who said he is impressed with both the building and the attitude of the prisoners, remarked "The other areas dealt with in the Mazaruni Prison are satisfactory and while inmates have been deprived of certain privileges, at the same time we want to make their stay as comfortable as possible. They do contribute to the economy of the prison."
He noted that that it is the prisoners who produce uniforms for inmates and staff.
Meanwhile, rehabilitation works are being carried out on the quarters which house junior and senior prison officers, and according to Assistant Superintendent Richard Brian rehabilitation works are also being done on the family quarters.
In 1997, a fire destroyed two blocks at the Mazaruni Prison.