Prison trade instructor training programme launched with CPCE

The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has partnered with the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) to launch a groundbreaking Prison Trade Instructor Training programme, marking a significant milestone in correctional education.
The innovative initiative was officially unveiled on Thursday in the Conference Room of CPCE. The first cohort of the programme consists of 30 prison officers directly involved in training inmates. Director of CPCE, Dr Julie Jailall, expressed gratitude for the collaboration and highlighted the institution’s belief in education as a powerful tool for change.
“This programme reflects our commitment to advancing professional development and improving the capacity of Instructors to deliver technical and vocational education that not only meets accredited standards but also serves as a vehicle for the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates,” Dr Jailall stated.
Industrial Technology Coordinator, Ryan Samaroo at CPCE, spoke about the transformative potential of the programme, emphasising its broader societal impact.

“This is not merely a training initiative; it is an investment in the future of our society. The skills you will gain will not only uplift your professional practice but also contribute to the larger goal of transforming the lives of those under your instruction,” Samaroo said.
Meanwhile, acting Deputy Director of the GPS, Kevin Pilgrim, voiced his enthusiasm for the programme, underscoring the prison service’s commitment to correctional reform. Pilgrim noted that the initiative would equip officers with essential tools for providing training within the prison system while facilitating their professional growth.
“The programme will provide the participants with the tools necessary to offer training internally, and at the same time offer ranks an opportunity to be exposed to professional development in their respective fields,” Pilgrim stated.
He further highlighted the importance of continuous training to meet the evolving needs of the prison system and bolster public confidence. Pilgrim explained that the GPS’s 2024 training module focuses on enhancing employees’ proficiency and skills in their roles. He added that the service, through its training board, identified the need for targeted development to boost job performance and incorporate new, relevant concepts.
Also, Head of the Prison Service Training Board, Tracy Shamshudeen elaborated on the board’s collaborative efforts with the Prison Directorate to encourage officers to take advantage of training opportunities available locally, regionally, and internationally.
These educational initiatives come shortly after the GPS’s broader strategic move earlier this year when acting Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, announced plans to elevate entry requirements for recruits, emphasising the importance of secondary education as a prerequisite for joining the GPS.
The GPS, in collaboration with the Education Ministry had previously announced the introduction of a Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) programme at various prison locations across Guyana. This initiative aims to provide inmates and officers with access to five core subjects: Mathematics, English A, Social Studies, Human and Social Biology, and Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM).