Female prisoners get Presidential pardon

President David Granger has pardoned three women prisoners in observance of the Festival of Christmas 2018.

The pardons will take effect on Thursday, December 20, 2018.

A statement from the Ministry of Public Security identified the women as 26-year-old Joanna Beckles, 22-year-old Felicia Henry and 17-year-old Keysha Gibbs; they all served a portion of their respective sentences for offences ranging from larceny and forgery at the New Amsterdam Prison.

Since assuming office in 2015, the President pardoned several prisoners pursuant to powers under article 188(2) of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

In May 2015, the good deed was extended to 60 prisoners between the ages of 18-24 who served time for minor or non-violent related offences. In December of that year, 11 mothers were pardoned.

In February of 2017, the President pardoned nine women prisoners in observance of Guyana’s 47th Republic anniversary while only one woman was granted the privilege for the 48th Independence anniversary in 2018.

In December of 2017, the President pardoned eight students from the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) so that they can be re-integrated into their families and five females from the New Amsterdam Prisons.