140 inmates graduate after completing training in various fields

A total of 140 inmates from the Lusignan and Mazaruni Prisons have graduated after completing training in various programmes. According to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), the programmes are aimed at preparing the inmates for reintegration into society.
The areas of training were agriculture, tailoring, animal husbandry, apiary culture, carpentry, joinery, literacy, art and craft, leather craft, and culinary arts. The graduation was held on Saturday at the Cecil Kilkenny Training School.
In his remarks at the graduation ceremony, Director of Prions Nicklon Elliot said the Prison Service has an obligation to provide prisoners with skills to facilitate their reintegration into society.

“Effective rehabilitation programmes within the prisons are important. Not only do they teach inmates a sense of self-worth, but they can also help inmates acquire new skills that can be applied to starting a new life following their release from prison and provide purposeful life goals,” Elliot said.
Elliot stated that the Prison Directorate remains confident that as the prison infrastructure continues to be developed, more inmates will benefit from such rehabilitative training.
The Prison Director made it clear that the rehabilitation of prisoners is an ongoing process.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Prisons (ag), Deoraj Gyandat said the Prison Service continues to adequately prepare inmates, whether it is with skill or educational training so that when they are released back into society, they are productive citizens.
A total of 600 inmates have completed training thus far, with an additional 172 currently in the final weeks of classes.
Earlier this year, the Government increased the budgetary allocation in the area of training for inmates; earmarking a sum of $88.9 million to train prison inmates in an effort to further reduce recidivism and support reintegration through the Fresh Start Initiative.