According to Assistant Director of Prisons (Operations) Deoraj Gyandat, enhanced infrastructure and reduced overcrowding in Guyana’s prison system are key factors contributing to fewer violent incidents among inmates.
During a program on Radio Eve Leary on Thursday, Gyandat acknowledged that the prison service previously faced significant challenges with overcrowding, especially following the devastating fire at Camp Street Prison in 2017 that resulted in the deaths of 17 inmates.
“It’s no secret that the prison service had overcrowded prisons back in the days. With the burning of Camp Street Prison, we saw chaos at the holding bay at Lusignan Prison,” he stated.
However, Gyandat noted a remarkable improvement in the situation over recent years, with a decline in disturbances, particularly prisoner-to-prisoner incidents. “Now you would have seen a decline in those incidents, and you are seeing more positive outcomes from the prison population,” he explained, attributing this progress largely to the resolution of overcrowding issues.
The development of additional facilities has allowed the prison service to effectively manage inmates and properly segregate them based on classifications. “One of the things that is very integral for prisons is segregation, categorizing prisoners according to their classification,” he detailed.
Inmates are classified based on various factors, including the nature of their crimes, socio-economic background, and the potential threat they may pose to other inmates or the facility. “With the new facilities, we can segregate accordingly, and because of that, you are seeing a reduction in incidents,” Gyandat added.
He highlighted that rehabilitation programs, such as anger management and developmental psychology, also play a crucial role in improving inmate behavior. Gyandat further noted enhancements among prison officers, emphasizing that the staff is now better trained and equipped.
“Officers are more equipped with non-lethal weapons… prisoners see the change in the behavior of the officers,” he remarked.
Gyandat concluded that the combination of improved facilities, better-trained staff, and expanded programs contributes to creating a safer and more structured environment within Guyana’s prison system.
