The Government of Guyana is committed to prison reform by providing rehabilitation and reintegration opportunities for offenders through the Guyana Prison Service (GPS). A range of programs were conducted in 2025 across its five prison locations to support and provide inmates with practical skills.
The programs varied and focused on developing inmate’s skills through technical and vocational training, academic, behavior modifications programs. As a result, a total of 1302 inmates benefitted from the training provided during 2025.
These training programs are alignment with the Prison Service’s goal of facilitating a smooth integration into society for work employment.
The Sentence Planning Unit conducted a thorough assessment of each inmate’s needs to ensure that training programs were tailored to individual needs.
The Prisoners’ Welfare and Corrections Officer, Tassa McGarrell, explained that the department recognises the need for programs that meet inmates at their level, which is why it offers vocational, academic, and behavioural training programs. Inmates are carefully assessed to determine their suitability for each program.
In 2025, the GPS continued to prioritise strengthening inmate training programs through strategic partnerships with Government Ministries, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Private sector along with other stakeholders.
“I am immensely proud of the transformative progress we’ve made in empowering inmates through skill acquisition and education. These partnerships have not only equipped inmates with practical skills but are paving the way for a more skill work force,” said McGarrell.
Additionally, Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot noted that the training is part of the national strategy to create changes and improve the life of offenders.
He also noted that the prison service is transitioning from penal to correctional, with a focus on building partnerships with the private sector, government ministries and other stakeholders to provide inmates with opportunities to meet the growing labour demand.
(GUYANA PRISON SERVICE RELEASE)