The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) will commence its annual “Christmas Family Bonding Visits” on December 1 at all prison facilities nationwide, offering inmates and their loved ones to reconnect during the festive season.
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, said the initiative is designed to support and strengthen family relationships, particularly during a time of year that emphasises togetherness. “We have worked with prisoners and their families for years and understand how overwhelming an experience it can be for everyone involved, so we are always here to offer practical and emotional support,” Elliot said.
He added that the programme was developed in recognition of the emotional toll incarceration places on relatives.
“We know that prisoners’ families serve their own hidden sentences when a family member is sent to prison. It can be hard to find support for a variety of reasons. However, for those reasons, we have decided to have this ingenuity annually,” the Prison Director explained.
This year’s visits will allow families to share a meal and spend additional time with their incarcerated relatives beyond what is typically permitted during regular visitation. Family members are advised to walk with valid identification and are reminded that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to smuggle prohibited items, such as money, alcohol, or narcotics.
Last year nearly 300 inmates across Guyana were able to reconnect with their families through the “Christmas Family Bonding Visits.” Over the two-week period, relatives shared meals, captured keepsake photos, and engaged in conversations, moments that GPS officials described as deeply emotional and healing.
Those interactions helped restore a sense of normalcy and family unity, offering inmates the importance of strong support systems during rehabilitation.
This year’s visits will conclude on December 15.
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