…the key to curbing crime and its ill effects
‘Celebrating Collaborators for Corrections’ is the theme as the Guyana Prison Service this week observes its 27th Prison Week.
The celebrations commenced Sunday with Thanksgiving Services at the various prison locations: Georgetown, Timehri, Lusignan, New Amsterdam and Mazaruni.
At the Camp Street jail, in the city, the service was held in the chapel and against the backdrop of the theme, guest speaker Reverend Alex Graham  plugged for communities to support the efforts of services like the Guyana Prison Service, noting it is his belief that ‘communities’ have the power to reduce crime, on the one hand, and to transform criminals on the other, so that that society become safer not by the building of more facilities in which to hold people who affect us, but by bringing the transformative power that we have to our communities, to our families and to our inmates.
The former broadcast journalist and now public relations consultant who manages his own PR outfit, centered his ‘timely’ and ‘motivational’ message around the biblical story of `Zacchaeus ‘and his encounter with Jesus as told in Luke Chapter 19; Graham’s personal experience with a now deceased young lad from his community who had served some time in prison, and a 2007 World Bank Report.
In attendance were Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), Angela Johnson;  Director of Prison Dale Erskine; Deputy Director of Prisons, Malcom Mc Andrew; Officer in Charge of the Georgetown Prison, Trevor Small; Chaplain, Rev. Fay Clarke, who chaired the proceedings ; retired  Director of Prisons, Cecil Kilkenny and other retired senior officers; representatives of the sister Joint Services
Graham alluded to the common trend, which is to criticize the police for not conducting proper investigations, the court system for not having inadequate judges and magistrates to try more cases, and the Prison Service for not having better facilities, when in fact what is needed is “to increase the capacity to handle growing crime.”
He suggested that there be a broadening of the thinking and understanding of  “who is the victim of crime.”
Expounding on the statement, Graham pointed out that the fact cannot be changed that the person who is violated will always be the victim and suggested that the perpetrator can also be considered a victim because, on committing the act, he becomes less than God created him to be.
He supported his argument by referring to the biblical verse which explains that ‘God created us in the image and likeness for relationship with him and relationship with each other’.
Also, many persons of the persons who commit crimes are victims of a breakdown in the family structure, with the absence of a father as a role model; through the failure of churches and religious institutions to assist holding the young people in line, and too, when communities no longer actively participate in creating effective citizens for the community.
On this note, Graham suggested that the investments should  not be on extending the facilities; but instead, in transforming the community , our social institutions and our families, which is where our eventual inmates get their first training.
Remarking  that “transformation is critical and where the crimes have been committed, restoration is critical”, Graham  reminded that Zacchaeus, who was a known bandit in his community, following his encounter with Jesus had his life transformed.
Graham advised the inmate population that they should not interpret his message as condoning their behaviour but rather they should now view prison as a place where they can be transformed, in order that they can lead a better life when their freedom is granted.
Earlier, Minister Rohee, who has overall responsibility for the Prisons, in a message read by Ms. Winnie James, an employee of his Ministry, implored of the inmates to seize all opportunities that will be available to enhance their personal development .
He also acknowledged the prison officers who despite the numerous challenges remained, dedicated, determined and resolute.
The message made mention of the ongoing process of modernization of which the GPS is a part, and noted that the GPS is part of the Criminal Justice Institution (CJI) and therefore must develop its capabilities to deliver more secure and rehabilitative environments.
The Government, it stated has recognized that the execution of these mandates is critical to issues of justice, law and order and the provision of safe communities and is therefore committed to ensuring that the Prison Service , like many other prisons around the word, is challenged by high numbers, inadequate space and regimes that do not match the needs of the prisoners.
In this regard, the Ministry has been making great efforts to improve the conditions within the prison including a general improvement of inmates’ accommodation through the construction and rehabilitation of buildings; improvement of inmates health care which is supported by the Ministry of Health outreach programmes; development of structured rehabilitation programmes with special emphasis on the provision of vocational skills and welfare services to inmates, and collaboration with external agencies to develop the agricultural potential of the GPS.
Also, during the year, the MoHA reviewed the GPS Strategic Plan and currently a consolidated blueprint is being considered to position the Agency on a path of reconstruction of its management systems, an approach that is envisioned to allow the Prisons to be a more effective member of the CJS.
Director Erskine spoke of the Service consolidating and renewing its systems and capabilities to deliver quality services that are commendable to all stakeholders,  and this is reflected in the strengthening  of security systems, infrastructure and technologies; retraining capabilities with special emphasis to prepare prisoners for effective re-integration through literacy and skills acquisition; planned development of commercial enterprises ( agriculture, furniture, block industry, art and craft), and more importantly, the development of a strategic plan to re-position the Service to effectively address its mandates and numerous challenges.
Alluding to the prison population The Director said they have generally shown  discipline during the year, adding that many are demonstrating the eagerness to change their lives through participation in retraining opportunities offered by the department. He urged the inmates to remain focused and committed to the opportunities made available to them.
To his staff, Erskine applauded them for the strength they continue to demonstrate in the face of great odds.
The programme was interspersed  with a liturgical expression (dance) by Adelena Bourne; renditions by the Joint Services choir; and the Republican Steel Orchestra and, a song by inmate Colin Miller which he himself wrote.