WITH the objective of promoting seamless reintegration into society, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) will embark on the training of inmates in a range of technical and vocational skills throughout the country.

In accordance with the Prison Service, the training of 1,500 inmates is in line with the government’s pledge to promote prison reform, giving inmates the opportunity to acquire essential income-generating skills and enhance their education while serving their sentences.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, highlighted, in his 2024 budget debate contribution the ambitious agenda for inmate rehabilitation, underscoring the significance of equipping them with the necessary resources for a successful reintegration into society.

He outlined the blueprints for constructing new vocational schools within the prison system and proposed training programmes designed to equip prisoners with valuable skills that foster their successful reintegration into society.

Additionally, the Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, stated that the decrease in recidivism in 2023 can be attributed to the enhanced rehabilitation programmes and improved support systems provided to inmates upon their release.

“The period of imprisonment is used to ensure, as far as possible, the reintegration of such persons into society upon release so that they can lead a law-abiding and self-supporting life,” the Prison Director explained.

Furthermore, the Director of Prisons highlighted the ongoing commitment of the Prison Service to actively involve institutions such as the Government Technical Institute (GTI), Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC), and New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) in delivering accredited technical training.