Prison Director reiterates calls for respect of inmates’ rights

Months after Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn had emphasised the importance of respecting the rights of prisoners, Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, has made a similar call by urging officers to uphold the dignity and welfare of inmates under their care.
During his recent visits to Timehri and New Amsterdam Prisons, Elliot urged prison officers to approach their duties with practicality, innovation, and unwavering integrity. He emphasised the importance of embodying discipline and professionalism while ensuring respectful treatment and the welfare of inmates.

Addressing the officers, Elliot stressed the significance of respecting both the laws of the land and the rights of prisoners. He underscored the Government and prison authorities’ commitment to implementing pragmatic interventions in healthcare, food security, education, and skills training to enhance inmates’ conditions and facilitate their rehabilitation.
“As prison officers and security personnel of the state, you will be called upon to serve in prison establishments all over the country. You must show utmost respect for the laws of the land and the rights of prisoners committed to prison custody under your care,” the Prison Director admonished.
These directives align with the Government’s vision for an exemplary prison system in Guyana.
Minister Benn has consistently advocated for continuous improvement within the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), emphasizing the importance of upskilling and professionalism. He emphasized that prisoners have inherent human rights that must be upheld, and he has condemned any form of physical or emotional abuse meted out to them.
Benn has also urged the Prison Service to redouble its efforts in addressing systemic issues, emphasizing the critical role of personnel in ensuring the security and wellbeing of both inmates and the broader community.
He has underscored the importance of learning from past failures, urging vigilance to prevent incidents such as the 2002 jailbreak and the Camp Street Prison fire tragedy.