INMATES at the Lusignan Prison are embarking on a path of reformation by learning new skills at the prison’s trade shops. The Guyana Prison Service announced that the Holding Bay area at Lusignan Prison has been transformed into trade shops where prisoners will now have the opportunity to learn auto mechanics, joinery, tailoring, welding, and carpentry.

This initiative aligns with Minister Robeson Benn’s ‘Fresh Start’ program, designed to aid the reintegration of inmates into their communities and families. The program aims to provide inmates with valuable skills that can help them secure employment and lead productive lives upon release.
Chief Prison Officer and Trade Shop supervisor at Lusignan Prison, Owen Charles, explained in a video posted to the Prison Service’s Facebook page that the inmates are taught daily skills in welding, carpentry, masonry, and joinery. “We have a team of inmates who carry out the daily function of maintenance, in and around the prison compound,” Charles said, noting that their duties include ensuring the prison’s structural integrity.

Charles emphasised the diverse skill set within the Trade Shops and the Prison Service, which helps address various structural issues at the prison. He also encouraged youths to consider joining the Prison Service, sharing that his employment there has been an enriching experience.
In his 2024 budget presentation, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn outlined a comprehensive agenda for the rehabilitation of inmates. He stressed the importance of equipping inmates with the tools needed for a fresh start after their release. Benn’s plans include the construction of new vocational schools within the prison system, making the Prison Service self-sufficient, and compensating prisoners for their efforts in agricultural activities.
The initiatives at Lusignan Prison are part of a broader effort by the government to ensure that inmates have access to meaningful rehabilitation programs. These programs aim to reduce recidivism rates and help former inmates reintegrate successfully into society, ultimately contributing to a safer and more prosperous Guyana.