Promotion of Prison Officers aimed at strengthening GPS leadership

March 5 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the promotion of 101 officers within the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), describing the exercise as the most comprehensive advancement initiative in recent years.

According to a statement by ministry, the promotions are aimed at strengthening leadership within the prison system while reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving correctional management and institutional stability.

The promotions span supervisory, administrative and technical positions and are intended to expand command capacity, improve middle-management oversight, and support security and rehabilitation reforms across correctional facilities nationwide.

The initiative forms part of ongoing modernization efforts within the prison system under the leadership of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, with investments being made in both infrastructure and human capital to enhance the Guyana Prison Service’s ability to provide secure custody while advancing structured rehabilitation programmes.

Officials noted that the promotions followed thorough administrative and procedural reviews and are expected to restore structured career progression, strengthen succession planning, and improve operational accountability across correctional institutions.

Those approved for promotion include five Superintendents of Prisons, 13 Assistant Superintendents of Prisons, two Cadet Officers (Internal) on probation, 17 Chief Prison Officers, 28 Principal Prison Officers II, 23 Principal Prison Officers I, 12 Prison Trade Instructors and one Coxswain.

Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond said the promotions will place experienced officers in positions of greater responsibility.

“These promotions place trusted officers in positions of greater responsibility. Secure facilities and effective rehabilitation depend on their discipline, fairness, and daily commitment to lawful and humane custody.”

The promotions also support a wider reform programme within the prison system, which includes infrastructure modernization at the Lusignan and Mazaruni facilities and other institutions, enhanced security systems with electronic monitoring, and expanded professional training.

More than 150 officers are expected to receive training in 2026 in areas such as correctional management and human rights standards. Additionally, skills-based reintegration programmes are being strengthened to create pathways for inmates.

Minister Walrond also encouraged officers to pursue ongoing professional development.

“Advancement within the Service must be accompanied by academic progression and skills-building.”

The Ministry of Home Affairs said it will continue advancing reforms to strengthen professional standards, protect officer welfare, and reinforce public confidence in correctional administration.