By Kristin Josiah
The issue of overcrowding at Mazaruni Prison has been effectively addressed following a significant expansion and modernization project.
The facility, which now comfortably accommodates around 200 inmates, has seen improvements thanks to an investment of over $700 million.
According to Carlton Cameron, Officer-in-Charge of Mazaruni Prison, the completed Phase Two of the rehabilitation project includes enhanced living quarters for inmates and dedicated housing for prison officers.
This expansion has enabled the prison to facilitate various activities, such as skills training and monitored recreation, within a more conducive environment.
“At our location, I can safely say we are now in a position to offer improved living conditions for inmates,” Cameron stated.
The project also includes the construction of ten new living quarters for prison officers, valued at over $89 million.
These new accommodations aim to support officers who travel from various regions, such as New Amsterdam, Linden, and Georgetown, to serve at the prison.
“These officers who are living in New Amsterdam, Linden, Georgetown, leaving the comfort of their own home, are essential to the functioning of the prison system,” Cameron noted.
Additional developments include the near-completion of a new watchtower and the ongoing reconstruction of the officers’ mess, which is set to provide recreational space for both senior and junior officers at a cost of over $57 million.