PRISON LOCATIONS countrywide are a hive of activity this week with keen rivalry among prison officers and inmates as Prison Service Week is being observed.
And, here to celebrate the occasion with their local counterparts is a 24-member delegation from the Cayman Islands (20) and Jamaica (4) Prison Services. Prison Service Week kicked off last Sunday with the traditional Observance Service held under the theme, ‘ Year of Productivity and High Standards’ at all locations.
The service at the Camp Street penitentiary was attend by Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Angela Johnson; Director of Prisons, Dale Erskine; the visiting overseas delegations; invited guests; senior and junior prison officers and inmates.
Minister Rohee in a message to mark the occasion and read by Principal Prison Officer, S. Andrews, said the event provided a time of reflection made in the  correction of offenders as well as the contribution of the GPS to public safety.
Among the important developments he highlighted were the establishment of the Sentence Management Board, which will work with relevant stakeholders to implement appropriate interventions to transform the lives of inmates so that they make a productive return to society;  a Prison service Agriculture Development Board, aimed at making prison locations self-sufficient in meeting the dietary requirements for inmates  and which will help reduce the nation’s cost to incarcerate and rehabilitate inmates; and the appointment of a Recruitment Board, inclusive of civilians, which supports the Prison Service by reviewing applications for employment and ensure that job specifications for respective positions for enlistment are met.
Cognizant of the crucial role the GPS is required to play in the Criminal Justice System of the country, the Home Affairs Ministry has developed a new Strategic Plan 2011-2015, to ensure that the Prison Service is modernized and transformed to meet the evolving challenges posed to a correctional institution.
Also, there is a training facility that has been put in place at Lusignan Prison Complex for prison officers to enhance the professional competencies of staff to meet the diverse roles they are required to perform; and the Ministry with input from the government has rehabilitated  the accommodation and general facilities for officers and inmates.
Minister Rohee, in his message spoke too of several initiatives which have been undertaken to improve the prison system among them, separating young first time inmates from seasoned offenders; the teaching  of literacy, numeracy, vocational skills and behavioural  change programmes to inmates and recruiting of specialist and custodial staff and improving the professional ranks through training.
Noting that he is aware of the many challenges that prison officers face in the execution of their duty, Minister Rohee expressed the hope that his Ministry and the Prison administration will continue to work together to remove the challenges in order to achieve the mandate of the GPS.  He assured continued commitment from the Ministry and the Government of Guyana towards ensuring the effective functions of the GPS and contribute robustly towards the improvement of safety in the country.
In his remarks, DOP Erskine noted that the celebrations are taking place at a time of serious government driven reforms in the GPS, aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the service to deliver quality and efficient services to various stakeholders.
He too spoke of the new strategic plan to pilot the reconstruction and renewal of the Service so that it can be more responsive to the changing of social conditions, as well as ensure that the GPS fulfills its security and retraining mandates in a more efficient and results oriented manner.
Erskine, like the Home Affairs Minister, alluded to the many strategies which was embarked on with the aim of  forging greater community collaboration, enhancing the structural and technological capabilities, thus, making the Prison Service a more secured place for inmates.
He expressed the confidence of the Prison Administration that the pursuit of such reforms and developments has placed the GPS on the correct path towards reconstruction and renewal.
Erskine in mentioning the several incidents and challenges which occurred during the year under review, and which has tarnished the good image of the GPS, said the Administration has been using such experiences as  lessons that provide opportunities for the implementation of measures to prevent a recurrence.
The Director of Prisons implored of his charges the need for them to conduct themselves “ethically and professionally”  in face of opportunities to benefit from unethical practices within the institution, and urged that they remain strong and resolute.
He extended words of gratitude to sister joint Services colleagues, the Ex-Prison service Association; faith-based providers, several community collaborators and the Food for the Poor for their continued support.
Among other signature events at the various prison locations are a Prisons Art & Craft exhibition; school outreach programmes, courtesy calls by the overseas delegations and visits to the various prison locations; a debating competition among inmates, and the unveiling of a historic plaque
A march-past with Minister of Home Affairs taking the salute outside the Brickdam offices of the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday and an anniversary dance in the evening at the Prison Officers Sports Club on Camp Street, are part of the closing activities for the week.