Officers at NA Prison must focus on inmate reform – Director

Acting director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot has urged prison officers at the New Amsterdam Prison to take a more active role in the rehabilitation of inmates and their successful reintegration into society.
During his end-of-year visit to the prison this week, Elliot reminded the officers of their essential duties in maintaining law and order, while also contributing to the reform process. He emphasised that the role of prison officers extends beyond security, highlighting their responsibility in helping to prepare inmates for a positive future upon release.
Elliot also stressed the importance of adopting more effective and accountable methods in the execution of their duties. He encouraged officers to adopt a change in mindset, focusing on expertise and responsibility.

The director further reiterated the necessity of strictly adhering to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the prison. These procedures, he explained, are critical to ensuring discipline, fairness, and efficiency in the daily operations of the facility.
Elliot’s visit comes on the heels of the Guyana Prison Service’s (GPS) ongoing efforts to prioritise rehabilitation alongside traditional security measures. The Director’s message reinforced the vital role that officers play in shaping the future of inmates and promoting their successful reintegration into society.
In this light, with prison officers being advised to place a stronger emphasis on inmate reform and rehabilitation, the Government launched the ‘Fresh Start’ programme in 2022. The initiative forms a key part of the broader strategy to transform the prison system into one focused not just on punishment but on providing second chances to those who have served their time.
Since its introduction, the programme has supported several individuals by equipping them with toolkits tailored to practical skills training. These toolkits are designed to prepare inmates and former inmates for careers in fields such as tailoring, animal husbandry, welding, electrical installation, joinery, plumbing, landscaping, cosmetology, and product making. By imparting these skills, the programme aims to reduce recidivism and foster self-sufficiency, enabling former offenders to reintegrate into society with dignity and purpose.
Elliot has emphasised that the initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to providing second chances for those seeking to turn their lives around. He noted that the tools and skills provided serve as the foundation for honest livelihoods, allowing participants to contribute meaningfully to their communities and families upon their release.
Through the ‘Fresh Start’ programme, the Government and the GPS continue to provide opportunities for individuals to transform their lives, fostering hope and creating pathways to brighter futures for those seeking redemption. (G9)