Thirty-six newly trained officers were officially inducted into the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) during a passing-out ceremony held last week at the Guyana Fire Service Headquarters tarmac. The recruits completed the rigorous Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC).
Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, attended the ceremony and commended the graduates for their dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. Addressing the recruits, Minister Benn reminded them that the ceremony marked only the beginning of a demanding journey.
Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn
“Despite having passed the renewal of the first phase of your test, your most critical test will be your commitment to the organisation as you would have pledged in maintaining and safeguarding your integrity, consistent performance and the ability to work peaceably with your colleagues. Your main mandates are to ensure that offenders are kept in safe custody while you seek to rehabilitate them in preparation for their re-entry into society,” he said.
The minister also noted the government’s investment in enhancing the prison facilities and plans to further diversify the service.
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, echoed similar sentiments, congratulating the recruits and emphasizing the importance of responsible and ethical conduct.
“We expect you to act responsibly and ethically, in order to effectively contribute to the safe, secure and humane custody of the people in your care,” Elliot remarked. He added, “I understand that your job can be complex, but I urge you to serve your Guyanese people diligently, faithfully and with pride.”
Acting Deputy Director of Prisons and Head of the Staff Training Department, Kevin Pilgrim, reinforced the values instilled in the new recruits, reminding them of their duty to care for and rehabilitate incarcerated individuals.
“It is important that you understand the role you play in the care and rehabilitation of those who are incarcerated. Let me remind you most emphatically, that prisoners, just like other citizens, are entitled to enjoy their fundamental human rights, restricted as they may be,” he stated.
Pilgrim also highlighted the various training opportunities offered by the GPS, designed to help officers continue developing the skills essential to their responsibilities.
With this new group of recruits, the Guyana Prison Service looks forward to enhancing its mission of safe custody and rehabilitation, supporting the return of offenders to society as productive members. (G9)
