Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond has stated that correction and reform must be at the centre of efforts to modernise the Guyana Prison Service (GPS).
Minister Walrond made the remarks at the opening of the GPS Senior Officers’ Conference 2026 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Liliendaal on Monday.
She said that for many years, correctional systems in various societies were treated as a “forgotten arm” of the justice system, where individuals were simply locked away and overlooked.
“Modern governance demands something different,” the minister emphasised stating, “What happens inside our correctional institutions has a direct impact on what happens outside our communities.”
She highlighted the government’s commitment to modernising the GPS through policy reform, institutional strengthening and investments in infrastructure and human resources.
“As Guyana develops, our correctional system cannot remain static…You are institution builders. Corrections are not simply about enforcing rules. Your leadership shapes discipline, culture and standards across the service.”
The minister explained that citizens expect institutions that operate efficiently, ethically and professionally.
Across the security sector, she said, billions of dollars are being invested in infrastructure, training and capacity building, technology-driven security systems, leadership development and rehabilitation programmes.
“These investments are ensuring that the Guyana Prison Service evolves into a professional, policy-driven, modern correctional institution capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly developing nation,” she said.
Meanwhile, the conference will examine several prison reform strategies to strengthen the overall correctional system.
Director of Prisons (ag) Nicklon Elliot said discussions will focus on areas such as technology integration, security intelligence, training and education, prisoner reintegration outcomes and legislative improvements.
Participants will also examine the impact of imprisonment, international law relating to the use of force, and human rights in correctional settings.
He added that the forum will allow officers to network with regional correctional specialists and share best practices in prison and correctional management.
The conference will conclude on March 20.