Prison officers reminded to uphold discipline and adhere to standards

Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot has reiterated the importance of discipline within the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), urging officers to maintain high standards of conduct as they carry out their duties. He delivered the message this week, during his quarterly muster and general inspection of ranks stationed at the Lusignan Prison. During the visit, Elliot reminded officers that discipline remains one of the core values of the service, and called on them to exercise fairness, firmness and consistency in its application.

Officers were also reminded of the personal values they are expected to uphold, including self-discipline, financial discipline, time management, patriotism, equity and professionalism. Elliot further encouraged officers to be confident in the execution of their duties and to fully understand their roles and responsibilities within the prison system.
Attention was also drawn to the importance of staff welfare and ensuring that inmates are treated in a humane manner, in keeping with internationally accepted protocols and standards. According to Elliot, the humane management of inmates is essential to maintaining order and upholding the integrity of the prison system.
Earlier this year, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn had also weighed in on the need for change within the prison system. He noted that for decades, individuals within the correctional system have often been subjected to inhumane treatment, and he called for a shift in the way prisoners are managed.
Benn had stressed that rehabilitation, respect and compassion must become core components of prison operations if the country is to move forward with its development agenda.