THE initial group of Prison Officers and Prison Welfare Officers have successfully concluded a two-day restorative justice training programme, which was financed through the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and supported by the Criminal Justice System programme.

The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) organised a restorative justice training session at the Police Officers’ Mess in Eve Leary on Monday and Tuesday. A total of 17 Prison Officers and four Prison Welfare Officers were in attendance.

The training programme is unique in its nature and is essential in equipping probation professionals to assume a more proactive role in promoting rehabilitation and reintegration, aligned with the principles of Restorative Justice.

Nicklon Elliot, the Director of Prisons, revealed that the Restorative Justice Centre’s 2023 action plan includes providing training and mentorship to Prison Officers with the aim of developing them into leaders of the Restorative Justice process for inmates during their incarceration and potential reintegration into society.

In 2024, Parliament enacted the Restorative Justice Act as a measure to overcome prison overcrowding by reducing pre-trial detention, reducing recidivism and increasing the use of alternative sentencing, among other things.

Furthermore, the newly established Restorative Justice Centre of Guyana, which became operational in April 2023, is fully functional and currently located at 341 East Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown.

Restorative justice is a justice approach that aims to rectify harm by facilitating communication and addressing the needs of both the harmed party and the party responsible for the harm in the aftermath of a crime.

The foundation of the system is based on the notion that crime constitutes a breach of individuals’ rights and interpersonal connections, along with core values of respect, empathy, and inclusivity. Moreover, its objective is to reduce the number of individuals in prisons and deter repeat offences.