As part of the Guyana Prison Service’s commitment to preparing inmates for reintegration into society, 12 prisoners at the Mazaruni Prison have begun vocational skills courses pertaining to electrical installations, carpentry, and joinery. These courses will no doubt equip them with valuable skills they can utilize upon release.
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, emphasized the importance of preparing prisoners for life after prison. “That is why it is crucial to think ahead and to prepare prisoners for their reintegration into society,” Elliot stated. He added that the vocational courses aim to strengthen prisoners’ resolve and provide them with the opportunity to learn valuable skills at various levels.
The rehabilitation drive is part of a larger effort by the Head of the Welfare and Corrections Department, Mrs Marielle Bristol-Grant, who has rolled out several rehabilitation programs for the first quarter of the year. In April 2023, more than 350 inmates are expected to graduate from various programs across the locations.
The vocational courses are just one of many training programs available to inmates, with other courses covering areas such as anger management, blocking making, tailoring, digital skills, cosmetology, animal and crops husbandry, yoga, aquaculture, family reconciliation, and culinary arts.
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn has urged Senior Prison Officers to put more effort into rehabilitating inmates, so they can be better reintegrated into society upon their release. With the provision of these valuable skills, it is hoped that inmates will have a greater chance of leading successful lives upon their release, thereby reducing the likelihood of reoffending and contributing positively to society.
