Latest update March 13th, 2026 12:35 AM
Over 1000 inmates gained skills for re-integration in 2025 – GPS
(Kaieteur News) – In 2025, 1302 inmates obtained skills to aid in their re-integration to society, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) said. In a statement on its Facebook page, the GPS said that the government has committed to prison reform and has been providing offenders with rehabilitation and reintegration opportunities.
In keeping with this mandate, a range of programmes were conducted across the five prison locations, supporting and providing inmates with practical skills.
“The programs varied and focused on developing inmate’s skills through technical and vocational training, academic, behaviour modifications programs. As a result, a total 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 GPS said.
Some inmates during a class session.
A thorough assessment into each inmate’s needs is done by the Sentence Planning Unit where programmes are tailored to individual needs.
It was explained by Prisoners’ Welfare and Corrections Officer, Tassa McGarrell, that the department had recognised that there is need for programmes that meet inmates at their level. Hence it offers vocational, academic, and behavioural training programmes. Inmates are carefully assessed to determine their suitability for each programme.
Over the last year, the GPS continued it prioritisation of strengthening inmate training programmes through strategic partnerships with government ministries, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the 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,” McGarrell said.
Additionally, the GPS said that Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot said the programmes are aimed at improving the lives 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,” the GPS said in its statement.
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