In a landmark step towards prisoner rehabilitation and national development, the Guyana Prison Service, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). The MOU outlines the production of 500,000 concrete blocks by inmates under CH&PA’s Community-based Employment Stimulation Project (CESP), a move aimed at providing inmates with valuable employment opportunities, skills training, and income to support their families.
The MOU was signed by the Director of Prisons, Mr. Nicklon Elliot, and the CEO of CH&PA, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves, in the presence of key officials, including the Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Robeson Benn; the Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal; and the Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Hon. Susan Rodrigues in the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Boardroom.
Minister Benn emphasized the initiative’s transformative nature, stating, “We have to find new ways and better ways and more efficient ways and leverage technology for these activities. So, it’s a new day with respect to what we do, prisons, and prisoner reform.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to renovating prison facilities and adopting a more empathetic approach to incarceration.
Minister Croal echoed the sentiment of progress, noting, “You may ask yourself, how come this thing hasn’t happened sooner? We are here today to acknowledge the perseverance of Minister Benn.” He discussed the project’s broader impact, including expanding self-sustaining farming activities and providing inmates with skills that will benefit them upon release.
Minister Rodrigues highlighted the innovative use of government programs for prisoner reform. “I am impressed with the work that the Director of Prisons and the entire team are doing in terms of the rehabilitation of the prisoners. This is another example of how we can innovate and use various government programs to reform the lives of prisoners and stimulate the economy,” she said.
The blocks initial production will be used for construction at Silica City. Production will begin at the Lusignan Prison, and the plan is to expand to other prisons. The CH&PA’s Projects Department will assist with quality control to ensure high standards.
Director of Prisons, Mr. Nicklon Elliot, highlighted the initiative’s significance: Today marks a significant day in the rehabilitation opportunities for prisoners. Block-making production will seek to provide an income for prisoners while they are in prison, enabling them to finance their children, their spouses, and other relatives.” He assured the public of the high quality of the blocks and urged the corporate community to support the initiative.
Mrs. Corbin-Cameron, Head of the Strategic Management Department, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the initiative. “Dreams do come true,” she remarked, capturing the hopeful spirit of the event. She further acknowledged the persistent efforts of all involved, saying, “Notably, these discussions commenced in March of 2023, and most of the traction we have gained is thanks to the care of our Honorable Minister, Minister Rodrigues.”
This innovative project underscores the government’s commitment to reforming the prison system and enhancing the prospects for inmates’ reintegration into society, thereby contributing to national development.