Celestine Chacon, NCN News
February 17, 2025
The Guyana Prison Service is making significant strides in its transition from a penal to a correctional institution, with substantial improvements being made to the infrastructure of the prison system.
These updates are part of the current government’s commitment to modernizing and enhancing the conditions within the country’s correctional facilities.
In the first “Prison in Focus” program for 2025, Senior Superintendent of Prisons Mark Smith highlighted the ongoing changes, emphasizing that new and upgraded facilities are being implemented across various prison locations.
This reflects the government’s focus on improving rehabilitation efforts for inmates.
Vocational programs are being introduced within the prison system to provide inmates with the opportunity to acquire practical skills and certifications, which are essential for reintegrating them back into society.
The Guyana Prison Service is also working on certification for some of these programs, ensuring that the training inmates receive is recognized and beneficial for their future employment prospects.
This move aims to reduce the stigma faced by former inmates, as employers often hold negative perceptions of those with prison records.
For the year 2025, the government has allocated a budget of 140.2 million dollars to the Guyana Prison Service.
This funding will be used to enhance the training programs for both inmates and prison officers, further supporting the goal of successful reintegration into society.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to modernize the prison system and foster rehabilitation, ensuring that former inmates are given the necessary tools to re-enter the workforce and contribute positively to society.