Ex-prison officers, active members must combat challenges facing penal system - Acting Director

Ex-prison officers, active members must combat challenges facing penal system – Acting Director

Mar 27, 2017 News

– Ex-Prison Officers Association celebrates 27th Anniversary

Acting Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels yesterday exhorted ex-Prison Officers to continue to work with active members of the Prison Service to combat the “ancient and developing challenges” which confront the penal system.
Samuels made this remark among others at the 27th Anniversary of the Ex-Prison Officers’ Association yesterday. He said that the ‘ex’ prefix to their title only exists because of the mandatory retirement age, but does not describe a severed relationship between former officers and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS).
He said that a number of retirees are lending support to the Prison Service.
“Some are facilitators at training sessions held for Officers and ranks. From these rich interactions, officers and ranks return to their tasks re-energized, and the recruits, especially, are encouraged to uphold the mission of the Prison Service and serve with due diligence, bringing neither themselves nor their organization into disrepute.”

In uniform from left, Director of Prisons (ag) Gladwin Samuels; Senior Superintendent of Prisons and Officer-in-Charge of Georgetown Prison, Nicklon Elliot, Superintendent of Prisons and Officer-in-Charge Timehri Prison D. Guyandat

According to Samuels, it cannot be denied that retired officers possess a vast wealth of knowledge and experience collectively. He described this as a reservoir similar to that which has been discovered by oil giant Exxon Mobil while exploring Guyana’s Stabroek Block.
“So too, have we tapped into the reservoir of knowledge of the Ex Prison Officers, and as we continue to do so, we discover that while the deposits of oil are finite, the reservoir of knowledge possessed by these fine sons and daughters of the soil certainly seem limitless.”
Samuels said that the GPS has begun the transition to becoming a Correctional facility. As such, he said that despite focus being placed on retraining offenders for successful reintegration, the issue of maintaining safe custody cannot be overlooked.
It is along this vein which Samuels intimated that the experiences and knowledge of retired members is needed to improve the delivery of service. “We therefore, now, more than ever, must unite and confront the old and emerging challenges together. We must incorporate the best practices of the past into our current practices where possible, so as to derive better results especially in the areas of agriculture, discipline in the prison yards, living by the words of our motto: “Together in Service”.”

Members of the Ex Prison Officers’ Association in casual discussions with Director of Prisons (ag) Gladwin Samuels before handing over the new building

He updated those in attendance that during a meeting held with the Association’s current executive last Tuesday, suggestions were put forth on how the services of the once active members can be better utilised.
In light of this, Samuels pledged to the Association that the GPS will seek to advance the areas of cooperation which were identified and those which are yet to be highlighted.
Yesterday also marked the official handing over of the newly constructed office of the Ex-Prison Officers’ Association. According to Samuels, the project serves as a reminder that the GPS views the contributions of its veterans highly. The retirees were also given permission to utilise the newly constructed Conference Room of the GPS. He added that the GPS’ Sports Club will also be available to the Associations’ members once it becomes fully operational within a number of weeks.
Ultimately, Samuels maintained that despite the GPS and the Ex Prison Officers’ Association being two separate entities, they are one, with one goal and one destiny. “Your support will help catapult this organization to which you have contributed so much.” Samuels congratulated the Association on its 27th Anniversary and expressed hope that the organisation will continue to grow from strength to strength.

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