The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has now added 16 new recruits to its roster after they completed a three-month Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at the Prison Training Centre at Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
Of the new recruits, 11 are males and five females obtained training in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the job such as basic prison lectures, impromptu speech delivery, armed and unarmed combat, human rights education, family life training, and English.
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, indicated that staffing plays a critical role in the daily management of prisoners as it serves as an assist in how they function.
“It is important that new staff become aware of rule and regulations and basic prison management practices before they are posted to the various prison, this will assist them in the way they operate,” he advised.
Deputy Director of Prisons and Head of the Staff Training Department, Kevin Pilgrim and other officials with the sixteen recruits
Additionally, acting Deputy Director of Prisons and Head of the Staff Training Department, Kevin Pilgrim indicated that the work of a Prison Officer is demanding and involves working with men and women who have been deprived of their liberty, many of whom are likely to be mentally disturbed, suffering from addictions, have poor social and educational skills and come from marginalised groups in society.
Hence, the training of the new officers is important in order for them to understand their role and function.
He said in dealing with different groups of inmates who have been deprived of their liberty and face confinement, there is a need for the Prisons Officers to be patient and treat the inmates kindly as per international protocols and standards.
