Ex-prisoners benefit from GPS’s Fresh Start initiative

Three ex-prisoners on Friday benefitted from the Fresh Start initiative that is being rolled out by the Government of Guyana through the Guyana Prison Service (GPS). Lawrence Rambarran received a complete kit of carpentry tools and equipment, Terrence Barker received a complete welding kit, and Michael Powley received a weeding machine.
In the simple ceremony that attended the handing over of these items to the beneficiaries, Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, noted that the Fresh Start programme is aimed at reducing criminal recidivism by helping ex-prisoners with felony convictions to gain access to resources, and by providing them with the necessary motivation for success after being incarcerated.
Elliot also noted that the programme does not only address the needs of ex-offenders transitioning from incarceration back into society, but gives former offenders a chance to embark on their own professional paths.
“So, the focus is to help ex-prisoners concentrate on self -sustaining activities with the hope that they (would be enabled) to make an income and become marketable,” Elliot has said.
The ex-prisoners were considered for the “Fresh Start Toolkit” based on a number of qualifying criteria, which included participation in training programmes while in prison, conducting reviews, family support, and a post-release plan.