A total of 140 inmates recently graduated after they successfully completed various training courses in different fields as part of efforts to reintegrate them into society.
The inmates who graduated are from the Lusignan and Mazaruni prisons. They were trained in the areas of agriculture, tailoring, carpentry, joinery, literacy, arts and craft, and culinary arts.
In a press release issued yesterday, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) said so far, a total 600 inmates have completed training. An additional 172 are currently in the final weeks of classes, it said.
Director of Prisons (ag), Nicklon Elliot, delivered remarks at the graduation ceremony which was held at the Cecil Kilkenny Training School, Lusignan yesterday for the inmates of Lusignan.
According to the release, Elliot said that rehabilitation of prisoners is an ongoing process and the GPS has an obligation to provide prisoners with skills to facilitate their reintegration into society.
“Effective rehabilitation programmes within the prisons are important. Not only do they teach inmates a sense of self-worth but they can also help inmates acquire new skills that can be applied to starting a new life following their release from prison and provide purposeful life goals”, the release quoted Elliot as saying.
He also stated that the prison directorate remains confident that as the prison infrastructure continues to be developed, more inmates will benefit from such rehabilitative training.
The graduation ceremonies were held simultaneously.
At the graduation for the inmates of Mazaruni prison, the release said that Officer-in-charge of Prisoners’ Welfare and Corrections Marielle Bristol assured the inmates that the government and the GPS remain committed to rehabilitation.
“I wish to congratulate you all and assure you the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Prison Service remains committed to rehabilitation, hence the variety of programmes being made available across the various locations. Your commitment to these programs are noted and we are proud that you’re making this step to reform yourself,” she said.
It further stated that that Senior Superintendent of Prisons, Alexander Hopkinson, said he hope the inmates continue to take advantage of the opportunities and encourage others to do the same. “Now that you have completed this journey more is expected of you,” the release quoted Hopkinson.
