The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) achieved a historic milestone in 2024, training over 400 officers through 30 diverse programmes and implementing pioneering initiatives designed to modernize rehabilitation and elevate the correctional system to international standards.
This was announced during a televised programme ‘Prison in Focus’ on Friday by Assistant Superintendent of Prisons and Prison School Administrator Abeid De Cunha. De Cunha who is at the forefront of these efforts, emphasised the significance of the service’s advancements in officer training, inmate education, infrastructure development, and reintegration strategies.
“We’re reshaping what the prison service means for both officers and inmates,” De Cunha said. “The goal is not only security but rehabilitation and reintegration, equipping both groups to meet international standards.”
Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, and Prison School Administrator, Abeid De Cunha
The Government’s $6.5 billion budget for GPS in 2024 was pivotal in driving these changes. Approximately $2.8 billion was directed toward infrastructure upgrades, with significant projects underway at the Lusignan and New Amsterdam prisons.
These include expanded facilities, new cellblocks, and enhanced living quarters for both inmates and officers. Upgrades to fire suppression systems and administrative buildings also ensure safety and efficiency across facilities.
“The new structures will support a new operational dynamic,” De Cunha explained. “Modern facilities, coupled with well-trained officers, ensure a safer, more rehabilitative environment.”
Central to the GPS’s transformation is the unprecedented scale of officer training. Over 400 officers participated in various training programmes in 2024, ranging from human rights practices to technical and vocational instruction. Notable among these efforts is the groundbreaking Prison Trade Instructor Training Programme launched in partnership with the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPC).
For the first time in the region, prison officers are being formally trained as educators. Thirty officers are currently enrolled in CPC’s programme, which equips them with teaching methodologies tailored to adult learners. Upon completion of the Level One and Level Two programmes, participants will progress to an associate degree in education.
“This initiative is revolutionary,” De Cunha said. “Instead of relying on civilian instructors, we are empowering our officers to deliver high-quality education and training directly to inmates.”
The service also partnered with the University of Guyana (UG) to develop specialised prison management courses for officers eligible for promotion. These programmes are designed to align the service with global correctional practices, enhancing leadership within the GPS.
Education for inmates has been another focal point of the GPS’s reforms. Through a collaboration with the Education and Home Affairs Ministries, 41 inmates and prison officers across multiple facilities are pursuing five CSEC-level subjects, including Mathematics, English, Social Studies, Human and Social Biology, and Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM).
The courses, delivered online, are scheduled to culminate in examinations in 2026. This academic initiative is part of a broader strategy to prepare inmates for life beyond incarceration, offering them pathways to higher education or vocational careers.
“Inmates who pass these exams can matriculate into universities or technical programmes,” De Cunha explained. “This opens doors to opportunities in fields like healthcare, entrepreneurship, or further studies, significantly reducing the likelihood of recidivism.”
Educating inmates
In addition to academic courses for prison officers, De Cunha said the GPS has prioritised vocational training to equip inmates with practical skills. Partnerships with the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI) and the Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE) have enabled inmates to learn trades such as welding, carpentry, and culinary arts. Graduates return to the prison system as skilled workers, facilitating rehabilitation programmes for their peers.
This year, 15 recently released inmates received vocational starter kits tailored to the skills they acquired during incarceration. These kits have already yielded success stories, with recipients starting businesses and reintegrating effectively into their communities. Remarkably, none of the recipients have returned to prison.
“These kits represent a fresh start,” De Cunha said. “They’re not just tools but symbols of a second chance, empowering recipients to rebuild their lives and contribute to society.”
Human rights and
rehabilitation at the core
Rehabilitation efforts are deeply rooted in the principle of human dignity. Through the support of the Home Affairs Ministry and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the GPS trained over 300 officers in human rights practices this year.
“Every inmate is a human being, and our programmes are designed to treat them as such,” De Cunha said. “This shift in mindset is crucial for effective rehabilitation.”
The GPS also employs an innovative assessment process, where inmates are evaluated upon entry and throughout their sentences. The assessments consider educational background, skills, and interests, enabling officers to assign inmates to programmes tailored to their rehabilitation needs. Progress is reviewed quarterly to ensure maximum impact.
Fostering family bonds and community reintegration
Recognising the importance of social support, the GPS has expanded its family bonding programmes, fostering stronger connections between inmates and their families. This initiative has proven transformative, with families often surprised by the profound changes in their loved ones.
“We’ve had countless stories of families reconnecting and supporting inmates’ reintegration journeys,” De Cunha said. “This is critical for reducing stigma and ensuring ex-offenders have the support they need.”
The service also actively monitors released inmates, providing guidance and resources to help them succeed. This hands-on approach has led to a significant reduction in repeat offenders.
Building on 2024’s successes, the GPS plans to scale its initiatives in 2025. This includes expanding partnerships with Government agencies and introducing additional programmes for both officers and inmates. Key priorities include further vocational training, more educational opportunities, and new infrastructure projects.
“The goal is to make rehabilitation accessible to all,” De Cunha said. “Every programme we implement supports our national mandate of nation-building, ensuring that individuals leaving prison are equipped to contribute positively to society.”
The year 2024 marked a turning point for the GPS, with its comprehensive reforms setting a new standard for correctional practices. (LaWanda McAllister)
