90% of inmates’ records digitised as Prison Service advances modernisation

The Guyana Prison Service has digitised 90 per cent of prisoners’ records and warrants as part of a broader push to modernise the correctional system and improve data management across the service.

The update was shared by acting Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot during the opening ceremony of the annual Senior Correctional Officers’ Conference, which is being held under the theme “Fostering Growth, Driving Synergy and Securing the Future of Corrections.”

According to Elliot, the digitisation initiative was undertaken through collaboration with the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) and also includes the electronic conversion of staff personnel files.

“All of the staff personnel records are already digitised, while 90 per cent of prisoners’ records and warrants have been completed, with the remaining records to be finalised shortly,” Elliot told the gathering at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

The Director noted that the move towards digital records forms part of the service’s wider effort to advance technology and strengthen efficiency within the correctional system.

Elliot also highlighted that 2025 has been a productive year for the prison service, driven largely by the implementation of its 10-point improvement plan. The plan focuses on enhancing human resources, promoting data-driven decision-making, and improving ethical and professional standards among prison officers, etc.

He explained that the role of correctional officers continues to grow in demand due to the high level of professionalism required in supervising and managing prisoners.

Significant steps were also taken last year to review the legal frameworks governing the prison system, including the Prison Act, as part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the operations of the service.

Among other achievements in 2025 were the completion of Phase One of the CCTV programme across correctional facilities, as well as rehabilitation works to officers’ accommodation at Lusignan.

The acting Director further disclosed that approximately 1,000 inmates are exposed annually to various rehabilitation and development programmes within the prison system.

“These efforts contribute to reducing the number of persons committing offences and returning to prison,” Elliot said.

Guyana currently records the lowest recidivism rate in the Caribbean at 14 per cent, with efforts continuing to work towards further reducing the rate.

Guyana’s prison system is among the topics discussed at the ongoing conference. The event is being held from March 16-20 with participation from countries across the region.

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