THE Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has made notable progress in 2024, solidifying partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance correctional services and rehabilitation programmes.
Through proactive efforts led by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn; Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot; and Head of the Strategic Management Department, Ms. Rae-Dawn Corbin, the GPS has fostered valuable relationships with influential figures and institutions locally and internationally.
According to a statement by the GPS, collaborations were strengthened with prominent international experts, including Dr. Julie Jailall, an education specialist; Mr. Todd Ishee, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Corrections and Mr. Robert Greene, Director of the American Corrections Association.

The Service has also deepened ties with organisations such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA), and the Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections and Prisons Services.
Locally, the GPS has partnered with institutions such as the University of Guyana, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), the Ministry of Education, the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), the Ministry of Tourism, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), and the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC).

These collaborations aim to enhance rehabilitation programmes, equip inmates with marketable skills, and facilitate their re-integration into society, aligning with the Service’s commitment to delivering effective and humane correctional services.
Minister Robeson Benn emphasised the significance of these partnerships, stating, “These strategic collaborations are critical to the continued success of the Guyana Prison Service.”
Director of Prisons, Mr. Nicklon Elliot, highlighted the long-term benefits of the initiatives, noting that the planned projects hold great promise for both inmates and the wider society.

Ms. Rae-Dawn Corbin echoed these sentiments, saying, “By working together with esteemed institutions and expert individuals, we can leverage best practices, access valuable resources, and enhance our capacity to provide effective and humane correctional services.”
She further encouraged private and public stakeholders to join the GPS in its mission to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the men and women under its care.
The GPS stated that these partnerships are instrumental in supporting its vision of contributing to national development and fostering a more effective and equitable criminal justice system. As the service continues to grow its network of collaborators, it remains committed to transforming corrections in Guyana and creating lasting opportunities for those in its care.