GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Guyana Prison Service on Monday firmly denied social media claims of a prison break at the New Amsterdam Prison and condemned the post as “malicious and inaccurate,” while government officials criticized the political source behind the misinformation.
The false report was published by the Facebook page “Credible Sources,” which is managed by controversial PNC member and nominee for the 13th Parliament, Sherod Duncan. Duncan is known for using his platforms to spread misinformation about the government and state institutions.
Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot said no inmates escaped and prison operations remain normal.
“These types of unconfirmed reports are extremely disconcerting, unethical, and unprofessional,” Elliot said. “They are viewed as deliberate attempts to tarnish the operations of the Prison Service.”
The Prison Service has demanded that the post be removed immediately.
Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond also rejected the rumor, confirming that the increased Joint Services presence at the facility was due to a routine search operation for illegal items, not an escape.
Authorities said such joint operations are standard practice as part of an ongoing crackdown on cell phones, weapons, and narcotics in prisons.
The government is urging the public to rely on official information and avoid politically driven misinformation that could create panic or undermine public trust in the security sector