The Private Sector Commission [PSC], acting on the advice of President David Granger, recently met with the Minister of Public Security, the Acting Commissioner of Police and the Acting Director of Prisons to discuss some concerns. The concerns in question were in relation to the fire and prison breakout at the Georgetown Prison and subsequent further escapes from the Lusignan prison and disturbances within that prison.
During the recent meeting the PSC was able to reiterate its concern over the erosion of public security and safety. The body also pointed out that the issue of public confidence in the government is exacerbated by the fact that, to date, no one, at any level has been held accountable and no one charged for these events.
The Commission emphasized the serious damage that these events have caused to investor confidence here, at home and abroad, and to tourism and underlined the fact that scheduled business visits from abroad and planned events have either been postponed or relocated.
The Commission further expressed its concern over the inability of the police to effectively curb the incidence of violent crime reaching into business places and homes across the country. “Our citizens,” the Commission stressed, “are now living in a constant state of fear.”
Minister Khemraj Ramjattan acknowledged the need for the urgent restoration of public confidence in the security and safety of the prison system and was open and frank in addressing the challenges faced by the country from the threat of violent crime. The Minister assured that every effort was being made to recapture the escapees who are still at large and to return the situation to normalcy.
Acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine, informed the Commission that the Police are conducting an active investigation into Georgetown Prison Fire which is nearing completion.