Timehri Prison harvests 200lbs tilapia from aquaculture initiative
The staff and inmates attached to the Timehri Prison on Sunday harvested a whopping 200 pounds of tilapia, which will be consumed by the general prison population.
Last year, the GPS embarked on an aquaculture initiative with the rearing of red tilapia at its Timehri Prison location. It was a pilot project of the prison module, spearheaded by the Satyadeo Sawh Aquaculture Station.
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot said the project clearly demonstrates that the GPS is extending its rehabilitation programmes and finding more ways to help prisoners develop their existing skills, or discover their skills and talents.
Additionally, Officer-in-Charge of the location, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, Roddy Denhart said while the project forms part of the efforts by the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) to boost its self-sustaining food-supply programme, it will also enhance the rehabilitation efforts accessible to the inmates.
The red and black tilapia harvested at Timehri Prison
Tilapia rearing is only one aspect of the programme. Over the years, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), through its agricultural programme, has harvested a large quantity of vegetables and fruits at its respective farms.
These include eschalot, cauliflower, pineapple, banana, and plantain.
In fact, for the first quarter of 2023, a total of 698 kilograms of Pak Choy were harvested, 666 pounds of Boulanger, 577 pounds of bora among other vegetables and fruits were also reaped across the various farming locations.
Additionally, the inmates reared cattle and pigs, resulting in production of 383 kilograms of meat. Eight hundred and thirty-nine trays of eggs were also produced.
Farming is done at the New Amsterdam, Mazaruni, Lusignan and Timehri Prisons, with efforts being focused on ensuring that farms are utilised to adequately supply the needs of the prison population in the coming years.
