It was a bittersweet moment yesterday for relatives and friends of prison officer Roxanne Winfield at a thanksgiving service at the Prison Officers' Club to celebrate her fortieth birthday and her tenth wedding anniversary.

Winfield sustained serious head and other injuries during the February 23, 2002 Camp Street jail-break and is blind in one eye and unable to speak, walk or care for herself. She suffered bullet wounds from the gun of one of five men, Andrew Douglas, Dale Moore, Shawn Brown, Mark Fraser and Troy Dick, all of who escaped from the prison on that day. Another prison officer, Troy Williams, was also shot and killed on that fateful day.

Following the escape and even as Winfield fought for her life, Guyanese experienced the worst crime spree in the country's history and the five escapees among others robbed, murdered, kidnapped and committed other heinous crimes. Four of the escapees were killed in separate incidents while Dick is still on the run.

As they thanked God for saving her life many shed tears as they remembered how vibrant the woman was just two years ago and this stark reality was made even more vivid via a blown-up photograph of the woman in her ceremonial uniform.

Winfield was brought up the stairs by one of her colleagues and became so excited on seeing all of her friends that she moved her hands about excitedly and made sounds as she acknowledged their presence.

The large gathering, including Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj, participated in inspirational singing as they gave thanks to God. Several of the woman's colleagues did special renditions in her honour.

As they sang and gave praise it was obvious that Winfield, though she was not participated in the singing, understood to a certain extent what was going on as she made sounds after each speaker and singer.

Pastor D. Prescott delivered a fiery sermon, which had all involved, including Minister Gajraj who had a Bible with him.

The pastor had some special words for the minister who he told to turn to God in his trying times and not to give up. The minister has been facing allegations of connections with a death squad formed to kill criminals involved in the post-jail-break crime spree.

In his brief remarks, Prison Director Dale Erskine assured Winfield that she would always have a family in the prison officers adding that while they cannot turn back the hands of time they have the capacity to support her.

And Minister Gajraj pledged that his ministry would continue to support the injured woman stating that after he was no longer the minister he would continue to support her. The minister quoted words from the song 'Blessed Jesus Hold My Hand' for the woman.

Her husband Mark Winfield said life has changed since his wife's injury but pointed out that their family has gotten stronger and continue to provide for her.

He said they all need to be there and join hands as family members noting that while his wife's progress has been slow he is confident that she will return to her normal self. He thanked the minister and the prison service for the support and said he hoped it would continue.

Roxanne and her husband cut a birthday cake and there was much laughter and tears as all celebrated.

An account has been opened at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry for Winfield and the number is SAID 568694.