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Rohee underscored the importance of training for prison officers, deeming it a signal activity for the GPS and Guyana if the GPS is to deliver on its duties.
He said the opening of the Cecil Kilkenny Prison Officers Training School was seen as a process of modernization of the GPS taking place, and that officers would be trained in all aspects of the job. He noted that the environment was quite fitting for the intended purpose.
The minister said training for any organisation, even for the GPS, must be to improve that organisation’s professionalism by equipping the ranks to take consistent action when needed; and based on their training, ranks will perform their duties professionally.
Rohee said prison officers can act accordingly, since they have their Standing Orders and the manual of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), to which they can refer and act with great confidence, coupled with the training they would have received.
He noted that for the GPS to reach greater heights, the organisation needed to build its foundation on training for growth and development, since its officers are tasked with securing prisoners.
Rohee said the name of the GPS Training School is most fitting, considering the role Mr. Cecil Kilkenny played in prison service; and he sees giving the school that name as a fitting and well-deserved recognition of Mr Kilkenny’s contribution to development of the prison service.
Current Director of Prisons (DoP), Dale Erskine, in remarks, outlined the importance of well trained prison staffers, whose very significant role makes them more competent in the delivery of their general duties. Erskine added that training improves knowledge and capacity of the mandate of GPS, and can develop staff competence.
He noted that through the MoHA, the GPS has held several training courses; but now, with the training facility, the GPS can have a more concentrated effort, wherein 35 recruits will presently benefit.
The DoP recognised the role of prison officers as important, in that prison officers have to reform inmates whilst providing security for Guyana.
Erskine said the GPS Officers Training School is named after a strict disciplinarian of exemplary conduct, and he encouraged staffers to maintain the facility in honour of Mr. Cecil Kilkenny.
Meanwhile, Officer-in-Charge of Lusignan Prisons, Kurt Corbin, said construction of the school started in 2007 with the aim of decentralizing training; and in 2011, the facility was named after Cecil Kilkenny.
Erskine disclosed that Kilkenny spent 20 years in the Guyana Police Force (GPF), before being seconded to the GPS on February 6, 1990, where he made a lasting impression and left an indelible mark.
Mr. Kilkenny is a graduate of the University of Guyana (UG), is possessor of a diploma in Human Resource Management, is an avid hockey fan, and is a serving member of the Prison Service Committee. The father of five also received the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) and the DSS, and made a great contribution to the GPS.
Inter-Prison Visiting Committee Chairman, Auybe Mohamed added that, from visiting the various prisons across the country, he could attest to the fact that prisoners are treated justly.
He addressed the need for training, and noted that the facility is geared for such, since it is important to maintain the standard of training.
Responding to all that had been said, Mr Cecil Kilkenny recalled his days at the GPS, and spoke of his days as a teacher/instructor at the GFS Training Centre. He expressed great pleasure at the opening of the facility named after him, and opined that the facility would serve as a catalyst for training, whereby ranks can execute their legal responsibilities. He said he felt honoured to have been chosen for such prestige.
