Georgetown, Guyana – (December 19, 2018) As Guyana and the world prepares to celebrate Christmas, President David Granger, as is customary, and pursuant to Article 188 (1) (a) of the Constitution, has granted pardons to three female prisoners who are all serving sentences at the New Amsterdam Prison. The Presidential Pardons take effect on December 20, 2018.
The three female inmates to be released are Ms. Joanna Beckles, who was charged with forgery and sentenced to nine months in prison; Ms. Felicia Henry, who was charged with larceny of cash and sentenced to 18 months in prison and Ms. Keysha Gibbs, who was charged with break and enter and larceny and sentenced to 36 months in prison.
Last December the Head of State granted Presidential Pardons to five women who were serving sentences for non-violent, non-narcotic offences. Article 188 (1) (a) of the Constitution states that “The President may grant to any person concerned in or convicted of any offence under the laws of Guyana, a pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions”.
The conditions outlined in the Constitution were met and the Head of State had the requisite consultations with the Minister of Public Security.
It is the President’s wish to see mothers at home with their children especially during the Christmas season and as such, women who are charged with non-violent crimes and fit the requisite conditions are eligible for a Presidential pardon.
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