Government pushes skills training for prisoners

May 20 2026

Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, on Tuesday met with Director of Prisons of the Guyana Prison Service, Nicklon Elliot, along with representatives of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), to discuss expanding rehabilitation and reintegration opportunities for inmates through skills training and certification programmes.

The meeting focused on developing structured pathways that would allow inmates to gain practical experience, improve their employability, and better prepare for reintegration into society upon release.

According to the Ministry, the initiative forms part of a phased and collaborative national approach aimed at strengthening rehabilitation efforts within the correctional system.

During the engagement, Minister Griffith emphasised the importance of rehabilitation as a central pillar of the prison system, noting that equipping individuals with skills and opportunities can play a significant role in reducing repeat offending and building safer communities.

He also highlighted the need for stronger partnerships between government agencies and training institutions to ensure inmates are provided with meaningful opportunities for personal and professional development.

Officials said the discussions explored ways to enhance certification programmes and expand access to vocational and technical training for inmates across the prison system.