Guyana achieves a record low recidivism rate falling below eighteen percent. The tendency for serial offenders to revert to criminal behavior is known as recidivism. Mr. Nicklon Elliot, the Director of Prisons, attributes this phenomenon to the technical and vocational skill training programs as well as the behavioral rehabilitation programs.
According to the Director of Prisons, “the technical and vocational skills training programs coupled with the behavioral modification programs provided to prisoners within the prison and the social services programs provided within the communities by the Ministry of Human Services along with the social crime prevention approach adapted by the Guyana Police Force plays a significant role in the reduction from approximately 33%-18% over the period of 2015 to 2023.”
The Director of Prisons stated that “Recidivism is something we have been working to reduce in Guyana”. He further posited that “our rehabilitative programs are meeting their intended purpose of preparing prisoners with life skills that will allow them to better reintegrate into society.”
According to Inter-American Development Bank research, Guyana’s reimprisonment rate for lawbreakers is exceptional when compared to the United States and Australia, where the rates are both over forty (40) percent.
Ms. Corbin who is the Head of the Strategic Management Department, stated that with the aid of the Ministry of Home Affairs, “the Guyana Prison Service is dedicated to upskilling prisoners, with a focus of reducing the chances of them returning to a life of crime post-incarceration.
During 2023, 1,520 inmates were exposed to training opportunities by internal and external trainers.
She also highlighted the role played by the officers in this process and posited that “435 of the Service’s 498 employees were exposed to training to increase their capacity and ability to manage inmates within a reformative and correctional setting.”
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