Guyana has seen a four per cent reduction in its prison population last year, when compared to the previous year. This was revealed by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn on Monday during the Home Affairs Ministry End-of-Year press conference.
One of the recently constructed cell blocks at the Lusignan prison
In relation to the total amount of persons incarcerated for 2024, Benn highlighted that this number stands at just over 2000 persons, with a small percentage of this population being women.
This figure he noted represents a 4 per cent reduction in incarcerations when compared to data recorded in 2023 which showed that some 2,240 persons were imprisoned.
“2032 persons incarcerated, it’s a 4 per cent reduction over the previous year; 69 ladies are in the prison system and I would say that they are far way better much behaved than the males.”
Notably, the Home Affairs Minister revealed that more than 40 Venezuelan nationals are imprisoned in Guyana. Benn explained that these individuals were incarcerated for various crimes including domestic violence, murders and robberies.
“We have a challenging issue in relation to Venezuelan migrants and those who may be forced into different kinds of activity. We did have a couple of incarcerations and expulsions, 49 Venezuelans nationals in the prison.”
Moreover, the Home Affairs Minister highlighted that the Government has been investing heavily into the prison system, with special focus on rehabilitating prisoners so that upon their release from jail, they can contribute meaningfully to society, rather than return to a world of crime.
“One of the things that we have been speaking about in the prison system is a fresh start project and programme…The intention is that if you work a particular activity in the prison related to your rehabilitation you will be paid and secondly is if that you’re clearly upskilled vocationally or otherwise.”
Minister Benn added. “That on leaving the prison you will be given the full kit to go out and to start work by yourself or with your partners in lawful activities.”
Meanwhile, last year, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) received a total of $6.5 billion, covering provisions for prison infrastructure and the training of prison officers. At Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD), the Government is actively expanding the prison facility to accommodate a greater capacity. In 2022, over $3 billion was invested in upgrades and expansions, including the completion of six state-of-the-art prisons, currently housing close to 1000 inmates.
The ongoing expansion project features a vocational school, aiming to provide inmates with training to reduce recidivism and enhance their skillsets. Other upgrades include a female prison, staff living quarters, an Infirmary Annex, a new headquarters building, and the construction of the outer perimeter fence, collectively contributing to the comprehensive transformation of the Lusignan prison facility.
