GPS promotes family reconciliation with Easter kite distribution

The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has launched an initiative to promote family reconciliation by distributing kites to inmates for their children to enjoy this Easter. The kites have been handmade by inmates who have taken part in the carpentry and arts and craft programmes currently running in all prisons.
Welfare Officers at each location encouraged inmates to invite their relatives and children to receive the kites, as well as to spend some quality time bonding together.
The GPS said it hopes to remind families that despite the absence of their incarcerated loved ones, they can still play an active role in their children’s lives, especially during holiday periods.
They added that the GPS is committed to helping inmates become better partners, parents, and citizens upon their release.
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot believes that the kite distribution exercise, a longstanding Easter tradition, will help to foster family acceptance upon the inmates’ eventual release.
Meanwhile, Officer in Charge of Prisoners’ Welfare and Corrections, Marielle Bristol-Grant hopes that this initiative will create positive memories for children to cherish with their parents despite the difficult circumstances.
This initiative represents a significant step forward for the GPS in its efforts to promote family reconciliation and empower inmates to become better citizens.
This is not the first time the GPS has had such an exercise. In June last year, children of prisoners were given a rare opportunity to see their fathers through the GPS “Father’s Day Bonding Visits” initiative.
The children along with other family members were privileged to have a meal with their loved ones and shared some time with them, a privilege that the inmates were hoping to receive. According to the Prison Service, Father’s Day produces a complicated mix of emotions for the fathers who are imprisoned and they wanted to give them, the prisoners, an opportunity to spend time with their families.