$11M in tools, equipment donated to help reform prisoners 

Some $11 million in tools and equipment were donated on Friday to help facilitate the training and rehabilitation of prisoners in Guyana. The items donated will cater to trades in plumbing, masonry, electrical installation, agriculture, carpentry and joinery, and mechanical repairs.

The donation was made possible through the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) via funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn during brief remarks at the simple handing over ceremony at CSSP Office in Ogle, East Coast Demerara said the donation forms part of the holistic approach to rehabilitation and incarceration in the prison system.

Minister Benn stated that when prisoners leave the system they can reintegrate into society and start their own small business and “not merely a little hustle.”

The minister further revealed that they will be launching a ‘Fresh Start’ programme for inmates when they leave the prison system.

Director of Prison (ag) Nicklon Elliot said that all prisoners, regardless of the situation, will continue to be exposed to all training programmes within the prisons.

Speaking about the donation of tools and equipment, Elliot said, “this will boost the training programmes within the prisons and of course it will definitely go a far away, Sir we will care these tools, we will encourage the prisoners and the trade instructors to also care these tools.”

In addition, a study of alternatives to incarceration and pre-trial detainees was completed by CSSP to contribute to the reduction of the remanded prison population and overcrowding.

A Prisons Case Management System to support and manage inmate progress, improve record-keeping and allow for data sharing across agencies is also being developed by CSSP.