120 Mazaruni inmates graduate after successful training

By Leroy Smith in Mazaruni

A total of 120 inmates of the Mazaruni Prison received their certificates and trophies following their successful three-month training in joinery, tailoring, art and craft, domestic violence, CXC, chronic illnesses, literacy and charcoal among others.

The training was largely financed by the private sector bodies in Bartica.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Monday morning, Officer in Charge of the Mazaruni Prison, Alexander Hopkinson related that some of the graduates were successful in more than one areas of training. Monday’s training graduation was the second thus far for the year.

According to Hopkinson, the prisons will continue along this path in an effort to reform the inmates. He further explained that more training will be done in 2018.

In 2018, the Prison Service hopes to introduce anger management, agriculture, electrical installation and plumbing.

Meanwhile, in his feature address, Director of Prisons (ag), Gladwin Samuels told the inmates and invited guests that the prison service has an obligation and mandate to provide prisoners with skills to facilitate their reintegration into society.

According to the Prison Head, moves are afoot to have the certificates accredited beyond the boundaries of Guyana.

He commended the inmates for being bold enough to participate in the training programmes even though they were mocked by other inmates during the initial stages of the training.

Convicted, remanded and high profile inmates were among some of the category of inmates who were part of the training.