Opposition MPs briefed on Georgetown Prison fire, related matters

Georgetown: Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan along with Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson; Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud and Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, Friday met with a team of Opposition Members of Parliament and provided a full and frank briefing on the fire at the Georgetown Prison along with the escape of eight prisoners (three of whom have since been recaptured).

The Opposition MPs were also briefed on the actions taken by the government and the security services in securing and housing the transferred prisoners and other related matters.

The almost two-hour long briefing at Parliament Buildings commenced at 9:00hrs. Several questions asked and points raised by the Opposition MPs were responded to and addressed by Minister Ramjattan and his team.

Minister Ramjattan also advised that there will be a Commission of Inquiry into the matter and that there will be additional opportunities to examine the responses of the disciplined forces. The Opposition team made some suggestions which the government team acknowledged had some merit and will be considered.

The government team undertook to have an updated brief as soon as additional information is available. The Opposition team was led by Mr. Clement Rohee and included Juan Edghill, Bheri Ramsarran and Harry Gill.