20-Year-Old Prison Officer Shaloam Andrews Dies in Essequibo River Boat Collision

According to the Guyana Times, Shaloam Andrews, a 20-year-old prison officer who was affiliated with the Mazaruni Prison, died on Sunday morning subsequent to a boat collision on the Essequibo River near Third Avenue, Bartica.

The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) issued a statement conveying its sympathies to Andrews’ family, friends, and colleagues, and indicated that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is currently investigating the details of the collision. The GPS described Andrews' passing as a significant loss, stating that his untimely death represented a profound loss to his family, colleagues, and the entire GPS.

Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond also shared her condolences regarding the officer's death. In a social media update, Walrond conveyed her sadness over Andrews' death and remarked that the 20-year-old had elected to serve the nation as a member of the GPS. She further stated that his passing was a loss to his community in Swan Village, his colleagues at Mazaruni Prison, and the broader Ministry of Home Affairs. Walrond mentioned that she had communicated with Andrews’ family to offer her support and extend her condolences.