101 prison officers approved for promotion

A total of 101 officers of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) have been approved for promotion, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced, describing it as one of the most comprehensive advancement exercises in recent years.

The ministry said the promotions span supervisory, administrative, and technical levels and are intended to expand command capacity, strengthen middle-management oversight, and support security and rehabilitative reforms across correctional facilities nationwide.

The exercise follows administrative and procedural reviews aimed at restoring structured career progression, improving succession planning, and strengthening operational accountability within the prison system.

The approved promotions include five Superintendents of Prisons, 13 Assistant Superintendents of Prisons, two Cadet Officers (Internal) on probation, 17 Chief Prison Officers, 28 Principal Prison Officers II, 23 Principal Prison Officers I, 12 Prison Trade Instructors, and one Coxswain.

Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond said the promotions place experienced officers in positions of greater responsibility.
“These promotions place trusted officers in positions of greater responsibility. Secure facilities and effective rehabilitation depend on their discipline, fairness, and daily commitment to lawful and humane custody.”

The promotions form part of a wider reform programme aimed at modernising the prison service, including infrastructure upgrades at Lusignan, Mazaruni, and other facilities, enhanced security systems with electronic monitoring, and professional training for more than 150 officers in 2026 in correctional management and human rights standards.

The programme also includes skills-based reintegration initiatives designed to strengthen rehabilitation pathways for inmates.
Minister Walrond also encouraged promoted officers to pursue continued academic and professional development.

“Advancement within the Service must be accompanied by academic progression and skills-building,” she said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said it will continue reforms aimed at strengthening professional standards, improving officer welfare, and reinforcing public confidence in correctional administration.