— highlights strong emphasis being placed on correctional justice, reintegration of prisoners
The Government of Guyana has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the Guyana Prison Service into a modern, professional and rehabilitative correctional system.
Addressing an audience of correctional leaders and other stakeholders at the opening of the Guyana Prison Service Senior Officers Conference on Monday, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond highlighted the conference’s theme, “Fostering growth, driving synergy and securing the future of corrections,” as central to the country’s wider national security agenda.
She stressed that a “modern state cannot exist with outdated security institutions,” noting that for too long corrections have been treated as the “forgotten arm” of the justice system.
The Minister noted that under the leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali’s administration, billions of dollars are being invested across the security sector in new infrastructure, training, technology-driven security systems and leadership development.
“The transformation of the Guyana prison service is not accidental. This transformation is the result of memory policy decisions by this government to strengthen and modernise our institution.”
A strong emphasis was placed on rehabilitation as a smart security policy, with the government expanding vocational training, education, psychological and social support, and reintegration programmes for inmates. Security and rehabilitation, Minister Walrond stressed, are “two sides of the same strategy”.
“Security without rehabilitation creates a revolving door. Rehabilitation without discipline creates instability. A modern correctional service must combine both,” she added.
