Statement by the Guyana Prison Service
Public Notice
“The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has noted the concerns expressed by concern member of the public through the social media platform regarding non allocation of resources to the (GPS), and prisoners assaulting staff at the Lusignan prison among other concerns.
Officer-in-charge of the Lusignan Prison, Senior Superintendent of Prisons, Deoraj Gyandat refuted those allegations.
However, there was one isolated case couple weeks ago where a prison officer was assaulted by a prisoner and all the appropriate disciplinary action was taken against the prisoner.
While the relevant welfare intervention was done by the Staff Welfare Officer.
Meanwhile, Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot pointed out that the government has taken a serious approach to address the long-term needs of the prison service in terms of modernising the facilities aid at improving the condition of service for staff.
This commitment was demonstrated earlier in the year with the $6.5 billion allocation to the Guyana Prison Service for 2024.
That budgetary allocation forms part of the government’s vision of creating a safe and conducive environment for the prison service staff and inmates.
Out of the five prison locations across the country, the Lusignan, New Amsterdam and Mazaruni Prisons benefited significantly as it relates to building upgrades.
For the past three years over $16B dollars were allocated to the GPS for current and capital works.
Just recently approval was granted for the employment of over 90 persons in the areas of Accountant, Accounts Clerk, Office Assistant, Drivers and Clerk II.
This initiative is currently being undertaken by the Guyana Prison Service’s Recruitment Board and interviewing of potential candidates has started. Importantly, with filling of these new positions it will allow Prison Officers working in the office to complement the operations of the prison daily activities.
At present there are 35 recruits in training and will soon complete their prison management training and will be deployed into the prison operations. Please note as a part of their training it entails the practical support of the custodial aspect of management and supervision of prisoners and this done at all locations.
The Director of Prisons would like to advise members of the public not to publish misleading information about the Guyana Prison Service since it can create fear in the public and discredit the work of our professional men and women in the prison system but rather they can contact the Director of Prisons who will provide any information needed.
Let us support the work of a prison officers.”
