1302 inmates benefit from skills training to aid reintegration into society – GPS

A total of 1302 inmates last year benefitted from various skills training programmes to aid their reintegration into society, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) revealed.

The programmes, which were conducted across the country’s five prison locations, focused on developing inmates’ skills through technical and vocational training, academic, behaviour modifications initiatives.

According to the GPS, these training programmes are aligned with its goal of facilitating “a smooth integration into society for work employment” for inmates upon release from the prisons.

GPS noted that its Sentence Planning Unit also conducted a thorough assessment of each inmate’s needs to ensure that training programmes were specifically tailored.

The Prisoners’ Welfare and Corrections Officer, Tassa McGarrell, explained that the department recognises the need for programmes that meet inmates at their level.

“Inmates are carefully assessed to determine their suitability for each programme,” the GPS said.

In 2025, the GPS said it continued to prioritise strengthening inmate training programmes 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,” McGarrell said. “These partnerships have not only equipped inmates with practical skills but are paving the way for a more skilled workforce.”

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.