THE Guyana Prison Service (GPS) could now add 16 new recruits to its roster, after they completed a three-month Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at the Prison Training Centre at Mazaruni.
According to a press release from the GPS, the recruits, 11 males and five females, obtained training in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the job such as basic prison lectures, impromptu speech delivery, armed and unarmed combat, human rights education, family life training, and English Language.

At the graduation ceremony held on Wednesday, April 01, 2024, Officer-in-Charge of the Mazaruni Prison, Carlton Cameron, welcomed the new recruits to the GPS.
He told them that the prison environment is very complex and multi-dimensional, and ranks are expected to execute their tasks in a very effective manner.

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, indicated that staffing plays a critical role in the daily management of prisoners.
“It is important that new staff become aware of rules and regulations and basic prison management practices before they are posted to the various prisons; this will assist them in the way they operate”, he advised.

Additionally, acting Deputy Director of Prisons and Head of the Staff Training Department, Kevin Pilgrim, indicated that the work of a prison officer was demanding and involved working with men and women who have been deprived of their liberty, many of whom are likely to be mentally disturbed, suffering from addictions, have poor social and educational skills and come from marginalised groups in society.

Hence, the training of the new officers was important in order for them to understand their roles and functions.
Pilgrim said in dealing with different groups of inmates who have been deprived of their liberty and face confinement, there was a need for the prison officers to be patient and treat the inmates in accordance with international protocols and standards. Nikita Abrams was adjudged the best recruit.