Prisoners release complied with the law

The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) notes with some concern, attempts on social media by some persons to deliberately misconstrue and to cast aspersions on the act of the Special Remissions granted by the Prison Service for the release of 65 former inmates.

The Prison Service wishes to clarify that the Special Remission was granted as required under the Prison Act Chapter 11:01, Laws of Guyana, to deserving inmates based on the time served, good behaviour and rehabilitation.

It should be noted too, that this special remission was delayed due to circumstances beyond the control of the Prison Service and, also, arising out of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The remaining time for the sentence served by these inmates was below three months in all of the cases considered.

The offences for which the special remission was granted were as follows: major- five (5), serious- nine (9) and minor- fifty- one (51).

The Prison Directorate wishes to reiterate that the inmates were selected based on the time served in prison and are considered not likely to be of a risk to society.

We hope that this information clears up any doubts surrounding the releases.