Jamaica looks to Guyana for correctional system models during Lusignan Prison visit

A high-level delegation from Jamaica visited the Lusignan Prison on Tuesday to garner first-hand insight into the facility’s physical infrastructure, particularly the design and construction of buildings they are considering adapting to suit their own national policies.
The delegation was led by Jamaica’s Minister of National Security and Peace, Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, and included Corrections Commissioner Brigadier (Ret’d) Radgh Mason and Superintendent of Prisons Ivan Ramdall.
According to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), the visit reflects a growing regional focus on modernising correctional systems across the Caribbean. During the tour, the Jamaican officials received a detailed briefing on the Prison Service’s ongoing efforts to expand and upgrade its facilities.
Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot highlighted the Government’s continued investment in Lusignan Prison, noting that the new infrastructure projects are designed to enhance both security and rehabilitation.
Further, he underscored that these upgrades signal a strong commitment to providing a safe, secure, and modern environment for both inmates and staff.
The visit offered the Jamaican delegation valuable insight into Guyana’s approach to managing its prison population, with a strong emphasis on rehabilitation – an important theme also being explored at the ongoing Guyana Prison Service Annual Senior Correctional Officers’ Conference.
Both countries continue to pursue improvements in their correctional systems, sharing a common objective of fostering environments that support rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.
The GPS has received an investment of $28 billion since 2021 to enhance professional standards, update prisons and detention centres, and shift the culture of incarceration from punishment to purpose.
Director Elliot highlighted the impact of the Government’s support in helping to address longstanding challenges such as overcrowding and contraband.
“Since 2021, the GPS has received the largest investment ever. 28 billion dollars has been invested into the prison service, focusing on prisoners’ rehabilitation, training of officers, and rebuilding key infrastructures,” the director stated.
These infrastructural upgrades were executed at the Lusignan, Mazaruni, and New Amsterdam Prisons. As a result, the issue of overcrowding within the prisons is now non-existent.
Prisoners are now enrolled in accredited training programmes in areas such as carpentry, joinery, and masonry, among others.
These programmes are delivered by qualified facilitators, equipping inmates with practical skills for reintegration into society.
The investment also targets the professional development and mental well-being of prison officers.
Elliot noted that officers have seen improvements in their salaries and working conditions, which have helped raise their standard of living.
In addition, training programmes for officers are now accredited by the University of Guyana, enhancing the academic quality and delivery of these programmes.
Importantly, the GPS has also implemented measures to ensure swift and independent responses to misconduct, thereby reinforcing public trust and accountability.