THE Guyana Prison Service (GPF) is currently discussing the possibility of increasing the entry requirements for recruits in order to enhance their ability to provide high-quality services.
Nicklon Elliot, the Acting Director of Prisons, revealed this information in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle.
He clarified that having a solid secondary education was the basic prerequisite for getting hired by the GPS, an organisation that continuously hires throughout the year.
Candidates must also complete a written examination. But in order to attract competent candidates and make sure those candidates stay on the job, he said, “We are looking to revise it.”
Elliot did not provide details regarding the potential new admission requirements for the GPS. However, it is anticipated that qualifications from the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) will be included.
Owing to a multitude of external opportunities, the Director of Prisons has acknowledged the challenges faced by the GPS in recruiting and retaining skilled personnel.
He stated that efforts were being made to improve the conditions of service for staff and added that increasing of allowances and salaries were being addressed at the level of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government.
The ongoing discussions at the GPS Annual Senior Officers’ Conference revolve around service conditions and job satisfaction, with the intention of identifying best practices that can effectively tackle staff satisfaction and employment issues within the organisation.
Earlier this year, there was a report indicating that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) implemented stricter criteria for prospective applicants, stipulating that they must possess CXC qualifications or higher education credentials.
This decision was based on the Police Academy’s recent five-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Council which grants regional and global recognition to its programmes. Historically, a sound foundation in primary education was considered satisfactory for joining the Police Force.
