The recruits, comprising 22 men and 10 women from across Guyana, were officially inducted on Thursday, during a graduation ceremony held at Prison Headquarters.
The training programme equipped the officers with the necessary knowledge, skills and professional standards required to carry out their responsibilities in both operational and administrative roles.
The courses included theoretical and practical sessions focused on security procedures, correctional practices, discipline, and the responsibilities of officers working within a modern correctional environment.
Addressing the graduates, Deputy Director of Prisons (ag) and Head of the Staff Training Department, Kevin Pilgrim, reminded the new officers of the importance of integrity, professionalism and accountability as they begin their careers.
“You must lead by a positive example, act with integrity at all times, and resist any influence to engage in or facilitate criminal activity,” Pilgrim said.
Moreover, Pilgrim encouraged the officers to recognise the responsibility attached to the uniform they now wear, noting that their decisions and actions will contribute to the safety, security and reputation of the Guyana Prison Service.
“Your journey does not end today, it begins today. Society places tremendous trust in correctional officers to maintain safety, security, order and human dignity,” he added.
Meanwhile, Head of the GPS Strategic Management Department, Rae-Dawn Corbin, who also addressed the ceremony, told graduates that this reflects the Service’s continued efforts to improve professionalism and strengthen its workforce as Guyana’s correctional system evolves.
Corbin urged the new officers to remain committed to learning and adapting to modern correctional approaches.
“In a developing Guyana, the corrections landscape is rapidly evolving. To meet these modern challenges, you must remain thirsty for knowledge, adapt to new correctional philosophies, and view learning as a lifelong pursuit,” Corbin added.
The GPS continues to invest in training and development opportunities to prepare officers to serve within a changing correctional environment.
Jamol Adams and Shemlyn Barry were recognised as the top graduating students from their respective courses. (Department of Public Information)
