President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Monday outlined a new vision for the correctional strategy, urging the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) to help build a “prison avoidance system” to address the root causes of crime before individuals enter prison.
Delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony of the Guyana Prison Service Annual Senior Officers’ Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, the head of state said Guyana’s approach to security must remain integrated and proactive, with the prison service playing a key role in the national security architecture.
The president noted that the prison service, alongside the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force, forms a critical part of the country’s security framework and must therefore actively contribute to shaping safer communities.
According to President Ali, the government is advancing a strategy that goes beyond prison management to address societal issues that lead individuals to crime in the first place.
Central to this approach is the creation of a prison avoidance system that focuses on early intervention in communities and schools.
“We talk about rehabilitation, which is important, but before we get to prison, how do we avoid getting there?” the president asked.
He announced that a high-level group will soon be established to guide the development and integration of this new system across security and social institutions.
President Ali also outlined what he described as the “seven As” that should guide the future direction of the prison service. These include access, accountability, ability, agility, adaptability, affordability and awareness.
These principles, he explained, will ensure reforms remain practical, sustainable and aligned with the country’s broader development trajectory.
The head of state highlighted the importance of education, mental health support and community engagement in preventing crime, noting that factors such as poverty, substance abuse, lack of positive role models and broken family structures often contribute to repeat offending.
He pointed to the government’s Men on Mission initiative as one example of how intervention programmes can help steer vulnerable youths away from crime by providing mentorship, educational support and positive activities.
At the same time, President Ali emphasised that continued investment in the prison system remains essential to ensure effective management, rehabilitation and security.
He said greater use of technology and improved coordination between the judiciary, prosecutors and security agencies will help modernise prison operations and reduce logistical challenges.
“The Guyana Prison Service is in no way inferior to the police force, the defence force or the fire service. It is an indispensable pillar of our national security and justice architecture,” the president said.
President Ali urged officers to continue strengthening professionalism and discipline while focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration.