Curbing recidivism: Prison Service prioritising inmate reintegration with skill development – welfare officer

In a move to curb recidivism and promote the successful reintegration of inmates into society, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has spearheaded a series of impactful programmes across its five prison facilities nationwide.
These programmes, designed to enhance the overall well-being of inmates, have a multifaceted approach. They not only foster social cohesion among prisoners but also expand their opportunities for retraining. The Government is actively supporting these initiatives, recognising their potential to alleviate the cycle of reoffending.
In a notable achievement for 2023, the Prison Service announced that a total of 1520 inmates from various prison locations have completed training in technical and vocational skills. This aligns with the Guyana Prison Service’s commitment to facilitate a seamless reintegration process.
The Prisoners’ Welfare and Correctional Officer, Tassa McGarrell, emphasised the holistic nature of the training programmes.

Inmates undergo thorough assessments by the Sentence Planning Unit at each location, followed by the concurrence of the Sentence Management Board. The programmes encompass vocational, academic, and behavioural aspects, ensuring a tailored approach to meet the specific needs of each individual.
Partnerships with various Ministries, and internal and external facilitators, played a crucial role in the successful execution of these training programmes. The year 2023, according to the Prison Service, witnessed a simultaneous implementation of diverse programmes at each location, with a primary focus on preparing inmates for reintegration into society.
While a range of skills was imparted, special emphasis was placed on Literacy, Family Reconciliation, Anger Management, Culinary Art, Food and Nutrition, Domestic Violence, Men on Mission (MoM) sessions, Citizenship, Carpentry and joinery, Welding, Masonry, Plumbing, Animal and Crop Husbandry, Information Technology, and Agriculture.
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot underscored the broader strategy behind the training initiatives. As the Prison Service transitions from a penal to a correctional model, efforts are being directed towards forging partnerships with the private sector.
This approach aims to provide inmates with opportunities to meet the growing demand for skilled labour, marking a significant step in the demilitarisation of prisons in Guyana.