THE justice system is poised to undergo massive transformation, as the Ministry of Home Affairs opens bids for the construction of state-of-the-art facilities.
According to an Invitation to Bid (IFB) published by the Ministry of Home Affairs, reputable and eligible bidders are being sought to construct and complete several projects.
The bids are opened for the reconstruction of the Weldaad Police Station in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), the casting of Lethem Police Station Compound in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and the completion of the Female Prison, Lusignan in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

Bids for the projects are to be submitted no later than September 21, 2023 at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office.
Bidding will be conducted through the National Committee Bidding (NCB) procedures, specified in the Procurement Act 2003, and Regulations 2004.
Bidding documents can be uplifted from the Finance Department of the Home Affairs Ministry for a non-refundable fee of $3,500.
In August 2023, it was announced that upgrades are being made to Guyana’s custodial and correctional facilities to ensure that inmates are housed in safer and improved living conditions. Currently, three new facilities have been constructed at the Lusignan Prison along the East Coast Demerara.

The new state-of-the-art Lusignan correctional facility is currently accommodating 680 inmates while the construction on Lots Four, Five, and Six will soon be completed.
Some 500 inmates will be accommodated in the remaining three facilities.

Director of Prisons (ag), Nicklon Elliot, during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), related the aim of transforming the Lusignan Prison.
“Our overall aim is to centralise the prison at Lusignan so we could have maximum supervision and more control over the day’s operation. Work is ongoing at the female prison at Lusignan, so the intention is for us to relocate those female inmates to Lusignan in a more modernised, comfortable, and humane environment for them,” he said.
Additionally, phase one works at the Mazaruni Prison is completed and the facility is currently housing 220 inmates. It is a modern facility with appropriate accommodation and recreational facilities for inmates.

“Phase two is just about 70 per cent complete and, upon completion, I would say by December of this year, we will see another 200 persons being housed in that facility,” the Prisons Director said.

Also, construction at the New Amsterdam Prison will commence by year end as the project is currently in its procurement stage.
Over $5 billion was allocated to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) to further support its transformation from a penal to a correctional service that promotes an environment where custodial safety is assured, and inmates are rehabilitated and successfully reintegrated into society.