Guyana’s recidivism rate has dropped to just 14 per cent, the lowest in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), according to Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot, who credited this achievement to a radical transformation of the prison system, driven by investment in rehabilitation and institutional reform.
The revelation came during the latest episode of ‘Safeguarding Our Nation’, a security-focused public affairs programme, where Elliot, a 20-year veteran of the service, detailed how Guyana’s prison system is shifting from a punitive model to one centred on “purpose, dignity and second chances.”

“The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) is responsible for safe custody, rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners as a part of the national security framework and the criminal justice system,” Elliot explained. “In recent years, its role has evolved significantly, focusing on rehabilitation, investment, and institutional reform.”
Guyana’s 14 per cent recidivism rate contrasts starkly with some of its regional counterparts: Barbados stands at 60 per cent, Trinidad and Tobago at 50 per cent, and Suriname at 46 per cent. “Guyana has the lowest recidivism rate within the CARICOM region,” Elliot stated. “We are working to reduce our recidivism rate by having a multi-stakeholder approach.” That multi-stakeholder approach includes collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Ministry of Human Services. These partnerships support reintegration efforts such as job bank enrolment, social prevention initiatives and access to community support programmes. Elliot made it clear that rehabilitation is no longer a peripheral component of incarceration.
“The rehabilitation programme in the prison service is no longer a side programme. It is the core mission of the Guyana Prison Service,” he affirmed. “We are focusing on education, work, employment, and post-release activities.”
In 2024 alone, over 820 inmates completed certified vocational programmes in areas like masonry, agriculture, welding, electrical installation and tailoring. Additionally, inmates are now routinely engaged in counselling, anger management and substance abuse treatment. These programmes are facilitated by trained professionals with some courses now accredited by the University of Guyana (UG).
“We built vocational training schools at Lusignan, New Amsterdam and at Timehri. We also have trade shops where persons can learn carpentry and joinery,” Elliot said. “So that by itself enables them to practice their skills.” A major innovation in Guyana’s correctional approach is the Fresh Start Initiative, which equips inmates with tools and training for life after prison. Since its launch in 2022, over 50 ex-inmates have launched small businesses using toolkits and mentorship provided through the programme. “Our post-release programme targets prisoners with particular skills by giving them a fresh start kit,” said Elliot. “The overall programme is to ensure that they are employed on release… so that they can earn for themselves and their family.”
As of July 2025, Guyana’s prison population stood at 2,239, down 2.9 per cent from the 2,306 recorded in July 2024. This decline, according to Elliot, reflects both the success of rehabilitation policies and ongoing reform in prison management.
“Today, we no longer have those overcrowding issues… because of the largest investment in physical infrastructure within the prison,” he noted.
Since 2021, more than GY$28 billion has been invested in the GPS. These funds have gone toward rebuilding prison facilities, training officers and enhancing prisoner services. New prison blocks were constructed at Lusignan, Mazaruni, and New Amsterdam, improving living conditions and safety for inmates and officers alike.
Elliot, who began his career as a prison officer, expressed deep personal commitment to the evolving mission of the prison service.
“I joined the prison service because I wanted to change lives… and giving them a second chance is very important,” he said. “You can help to be part of that reform process. That by itself will help us to have safer communities.” He emphasised that improving officer training, increasing salaries and recruiting a diverse, qualified workforce across all ten administrative regions is key to sustaining progress. The Prison Service is now actively pursuing accreditation and standards in line with the Nelson Mandela Rules, which advocate for humane conditions and legal rights for prisoners.
“The prison service isn’t just about keeping people in custody,” Elliot concluded. “It’s about helping them build skills, contribute to society and return with a second chance.”