— points to inmates accessing expanded vocational training, schooling through Guyana Digital School

Driven by more than $28 billion in government investments and the expansion of access to vocational training and formal schooling, Guyana has recorded the lowest recidivism rate across the Caribbean.

This is according to Director of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) Nicklon Elliot, who on Monday told the 2026 Annual Senior Officers’ Conference that some 1000 prisoners are being exposed to skills training and now have access to the Guyana Digital School.

“A total of 1000 prisoners are exposed annually to skills training programmes in technical and vocational areas, entrepreneurial skills and academics. I am pleased to say that the prison population has started to enroll on the Guyana Digital School platform to further improve their personal skills,” Elliot said.

The country’s recidivism rate stands below 20 per cent.

“We continue to expand the reintegration process by providing prisoners with a toolkit on release from prison, which would contribute to their employment, thus giving them a fresh start. “

Elliot highlighted the construction of a new headquarters and command centre, nationwide digitalisation of prisoner and staff records.

Initiatives, he says, have helped push the country to the lowest recidivism rate in the region and set a blueprint for safer, more rehabilitative corrections.

“Overall, these efforts contribute significantly to the decline of persons committing offences and returning to prison,” the Prison Director added.