HOME Affairs Minister Clement Rohee yesterday addressed 24 Assistant Prison Officers (APOs) who successfully completed the GPS Basic Recruits Training Course 2012-2013, held at the Cecil Kilkenny Prison Officers’ Training School in Georgetown.

Assembled at the GPS Sports Club at Camp and Bent Streets, Georgetown for a ceremony to conclude that training, the APOs were urged by Minister Rohee, “Don’t give up,” even as he challenged them to uphold the pledge of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS); to resist becoming corrupt; to ensure all prisoners are kept safely behind bars; and to be cognizant of their behaviour in the treatment of inmates.

Rohee said that of late, the security sector has been placed under scrutiny by some sections of the media, and he urged the APOs to be professional as they carry out their duties at whichever prison they are posted.

He also advised the APOs to have goals and expectations, to work towards achieving those, and to be vigilant in ensuring that cell phones and other prohibited items are not allowed in the prisons.

He, moreover, highlighted the danger of inmates having access to cell phones when he referred to the role that instrument had played in the Georgetown Prison jailbreak of years ago, when five notorious inmates escaped from prison to wreak havoc on the citizenry.

Conversely, Minister Rohee commended the senior officers and other ranks for ensuring all inmates are secure behind bars.

He spoke of the significant role of prison officers, and told the APOs that their work in the GPS would not be easy, because they would encounter many challenges, but he asked them to act and use their initiative within the policies of the GPS.

Minister Rohee appealed to the ranks to be professional; to strive to the best of their ability; and to embrace change, since the GPS modernisation management plan would be implemented for the training and upward mobility of all ranks.

Rohee told the APOs that, when in doubt, they must operate within the framework of prison policies, and they must follow instructions as they gain experience to fulfil the GPS mandate.

Acting Director of Prisons, Welton Trotz, said the ranks had been away from their homes for three months, and by now have experienced some aspects of prison duty. Nevertheless, he said, he still considered them to be “green” on the job and in need of guidance to avoid making too many mistakes.

He said that as they are posted away from their normal habitats, they should remain steadfast and accept the changes.

Trotz admonished the APOs to always conduct themselves responsibly and to have values as they supervise inmates on a daily basis. He said the road to correction is very long, but with support of the Home Affairs Ministry, their goals would be achieved.

Several best achievers among the APOs were presented with trophies besides their certificates of completion. They are as follows: the Best Student — Malvern Williams; Runner up — Sophia Davis; Best Drill — James Douglas; Most Improved — Travis Gould; Runner-up — Cravney Caesar; Most Improved Drill — Sheneera Benjamin; Best Dressed male – Raiburn Ramnarine; Best Dressed female — Myrtle Joseph.

Giving the Students Report, Assistant Prison Officer James Douglas said the course began with 26 persons, two of whom left; but it continued with 12 women and 14 men.

He said their time was spent wisely, since they had a very packed agenda and were lectured on several subjects relevant to their work. He said their experience in and out of the classroom was “bitter/sweet” as they were challenged to perform; but in totality, they had gained a lot.

Douglas said the APOs had also managed to cope with the diet and the need for punctuality. In closing his remarks, he thanked all who supported them through the course.

In the Course Report, Olivia Cox, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons/Assistant Training Officer, said the course started in March 28, 2012 and ended in February 2013 with persons drawn from areas across the country.

She said the group was accommodated during the course; meals, among other services, were provided; and they were engaged in training in drills, live firing of weapons, and extra-curricular activities.

Cox noted that the ranks were present at the Magistrate’s Court to get a first hand look at the magisterial proceedings, and their behaviour was fairly good.

In her recommendations, she asked that the road leading to the Cecil Kilkenny Prison Officers’ Training School be upgraded into an all-weather road; the ceiling of the school be sealed, so that bats do not make it their home; tools and machinery be provided for cleaning the school’s compound; and that budgetary allocations be increased for the school.
Written By Michel Outridge