16 inmates graduate from training programmes at Timehri Prison

In efforts to prepare for their reintegration into society, 16 inmates at the Timehri Prison have successfully completed training programmes in anger management and carpentry.
The East Bank Demerara (EBD) Prison hosted its second graduation this year on Tuesday. The event saw 16 inmates graduating – eight from the anger management programme, facilitated by Solutions Training Consultancy and Counseling Services headed by Wil Campbell, and the other eight from the carpentry and joinery class, facilitated by Lansdale Chapman.
The anger management programme has been instrumental in fostering behaviour changes among the inmates. The class taught them to accept that anger was an emotion within everyone and it could not be denied but instead managed. They also learnt to accept responsibility for their actions when they are angry; this was followed by positive coping methods that could be used to combat an explosive response with a passive one. This programme encourages logical thinking and improve decision making.
Meanwhile, some of the pieces created in the carpentry and joinery class were showcased at the graduation. The class taught a skill that could be used outside of prison to obtain finances as opposed to returning to a life of crime. The pieces showcased were a chest of drawers, combination chairs and bar chairs.
These are just two of the vocational and educational training programmes that the Guyana Prison Service offers to inmates in an effort to rehabilitate them for reintegration into society, with new skills and behaviour as well.
The anger management programme is currently in place at three prison locations and is expected to commence at a fourth location in August 2018. The graduation was a success as family members of the graduates were allowed to attend and lend their support.
There are at least four programmes that are expected to be restarted in the new academic year, including Work Readiness and CXC Maths and English – all in an effort to effectively rehabilitate and reintegrate inmates.
Despite the constraints, the Guyana Prison Service will continue to fulfil one of its main responsibilities: rehabilitation. The Prison Service believes that changing the thinking of inmates and equipping them with marketable skills could result in a reduction of the recidivism rate.