Some passengers traveling with the Essequibo ferry service feel threatened by the decision of the Guyana Prison Service and Guyana Police Force to have prisoners sit with civilians when being transported to and from court in Region Two.
On Friday last, prisoners were placed in seats with civilians. Passengers related that the prisoners entered the boat with cuffs on their feet and were placed to sit next to civilians. This caused much concern among some passengers as they view this move as a “security risk”.
Some passengers suggested that a section on the ferry be reserved for the prisoners when they are being transported to and from court for trials. They have even suggested that Prison Service provide special vehicles –police or river taxis – to transport prisoners, or even have that area barred off.
Divisional Commander for Region Two and Essequibo Islands, Kevin Adonis when contracted said there is no “lock-up cell” in the boat to keep prisoners, as such they have to be placed with civilians. He however sought to assure that prisoners are usually escorted by armed policemen, and that civilians should be wise not to sit next to prisoners.
When contacted, a supervisor of Transport and Harbours Department explained that prisoners could be placed upstairs of the ferry, away from civilians.
Asked whether this proposal was ever done by the Guyana Prison Service, the supervisor said “no.”
Passengers have since suggested that prisoners should be placed away from passengers for security reasons and the matter should be dealt with in a responsible manner.
well that should not take to see it is a security risk, ,and
prisoners should be separated from passengers. no one knows the relationship that might exist between prisoner and passengers, and that is just one reason.
Security risk? …Passengers say prisoners should be seated separately from civilians during escort on Essequibo ferry.
You know how prisoners does escape from hospital even though they are under heavy security ? We does laff because we all know right away what went down– either big money handed over to guards or guards and prisoner are kit n kin..its simple as that. but while we laff out loud the consequences are deadly for the victims of these prisoners and danger lurks at every nook and cranny of Guyanese society like it or not- be it politicians in cahoots with criminals -police and army in cahoots with criminals – kit and kit factor will never die out in Guyana ever- then we come to our jails and judiciary -those two are stinking septic tank reeks of the corrupt stench.
Region 2 commander dont even know what he is saying
can you believe this senior officer say that civilian should not be sitting next to prisoners
sir its your department brought these prisoners on the boat an have them in the mix with civilians ok
secondly to avoid all this fuss a worries why dont just have the prisoners in there transfer vehicle’s on the vehicles deck
they are already criminals so why risk the safety of civilians
They are not tourist to enjoy the luxury of the ferry
you people really needs to think safety first