PNC/R wants action after 'prisoner shopping' probe by Shirwin Campbell
Guyana Chronicle
November 28, 2003

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Following reports in sections of the media of two prisoners on remand were seen shopping downtown, the Peoples National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) is calling on the acting Commissioner of Police to ensure that the probe launched will not only lead to the dismissal of the Policemen but more importantly will lead to dismissals and /or resignations by the more senior officers who must have given their active or tacit support to "this reprehensible" development.

Constable Mahendra Bijnauth and Gerald Alonzo, charged for the murder of Yohance Douglas, were alleged to have been seen boutique browsing recently.

According to the PNC/R for several months there have been rumours that both Bijnauth and Alonzo are given special treatment in the Georgetown Prison on countless occasions to visit families and friends.

The party informed the media at its weekly press briefing that within the last 36 hours, a shocked and enraged Guyanese public has been presented with indisputable evidence that Constables Bijnauth and Alonzo were boutique browsing and shopping on Tuesday, November 25 2003 after their most recent court appearance.

The PNC/R says that it condemns this in the strongest possible terms, calling it an unprecedented display of lawlessness and utter contempt shown by members of the Guyana Police Force.

The PNC/R also called on the Acting Director of Prisons, Mr. Tahal to immediately launch an investigation into allegations that both Bajinauth and Alonzo have on numerous occasions been allowed to leave the Georgetown Prisons at nights escorted by members of the Guyana Police Force and/or members of the Guyana Prison Service.

The party declared that all Guyana awaits the findings and subsequent action.