Jamaican officials explore applying Guyana’s prison modernisation model

A high-level delegation from Jamaica visited the Lusignan Prison on Tuesday to gain firsthand insight into the facility’s physical infrastructure, particularly the design and construction of buildings they are considering adapting to suit their own national policies.

The delegation was led by Jamaica’s Minister of National Security and Peace, Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, and included Corrections Commissioner Brigadier (Ret’d) Radgh Mason and Superintendent of Prisons Ivan Ramdall.

According to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), the visit reflects a growing regional focus on modernising correctional systems across the Caribbean.

During the tour, the Jamaican officials received a detailed briefing on the Prison Service’s ongoing efforts to expand and upgrade its facilities. Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot highlighted the government’s continued investment in Lusignan Prison, noting that the new infrastructure projects are designed to enhance both security and rehabilitation.

Elliot underscored that these upgrades signal a strong commitment to providing a safe, secure, and modern environment for both inmates and staff.

The visit offered the Jamaican delegation valuable insight into Guyana’s approach to managing its prison population, with a strong emphasis on rehabilitation—an important theme also being explored at the ongoing Guyana Prison Service Annual Senior Correctional Officers’ Conference.

Both countries continue to pursue improvements in their correctional systems, sharing a common objective of fostering environments that support rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.