The Opposition, A Partnership of National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), is demanding the government not only places priority in recapturing Mark Royden Williams aka Smallie, who escaped Mazaruni Prison, but also answers some serious questions.
Williams, deemed by the authorities as a high profile convicted killer, escaped from the Prison around 14:30 hrs. on Thursday. The government has since offered a $10 million reward for information leading to his capture. Members of Joint Services have reportedly ramp up their search and Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Robeson Benn, said no efforts would be spared to ensure his capture. However, the coalition Opposition is asking questions and seeking answers claiming “something is not adding up.” Speculation is rife how Williams’ escape was made possible.
For instance, the APNU+AFC made known in a release that whilst it is crucial Guyanese remain calm and vigilant, the top priority must be the safety and security of the citizens and the swift capture of Williams. To this end, the Opposition made known that it is imperative Guyanese hold Benn accountable for his management of this crisis.
According to the Opposition, Benn’s press conference on Saturday only reinforced the belief that he is ill-suited to manage the ministry and the internal security of Guyana. It is time to step aside and allow experts to take charge of the sector and capture this convicted murderer, the coalition said.
There are some serious questions to be answered, said the Opposition, such as who aided Williams’ escape when the “law states that only a prison staff member, medical officer or a minister of the convict’s denomination can authorise access.” How many prison officers were responsible for transporting the prisoner to and from his holding cell, the Opposition queried.
Further, why was an open vehicle used instead of an enclosed one, where were the Mazaruni Prison boats at that time, and why was a suspicious boat lingering nearby without raising any concerns.
Further being queried is what kind of shackles the prisoner was wearing, considering the difficulty of escaping and jumping into a river while being restrained.
Equally important, the Opposition pointed out who was monitoring the conversation between the prisoner and his visitor, and where are the video recordings of the escape, and the minister to answer whether the cameras conveniently malfunctioned at that precise moment.
Noting that there are many more pressing questions that demand answers, the Opposition said the immediate focus must be on recapturing Williams and has called on citizens to unite, exercise heightened vigilance and remain determined to ensure the safety and well-being of Guyana.
According to the Opposition there is sufficient financial resources available to ensure Williams’ capture and this must be effectively utilised.
