The prison service is to be outfitted with a boat among other equipment and staffing and security infrastructure were among the issues discussed at a recent meeting of top-level Guyana Prison Service (GPS) officials.

In a Government Information Agency (GINA) release it was stated that officers from the GPS met at the Prison Headquarters, Brickdam to discuss measures to improve the prison environment countrywide.

Director of Prisons Dale Erskine said the meeting was an eye-opener to the major challenges that face the prisons. Erskine noted that strategies have been implemented to minimise such factors.

He told GINA that 20 recruits begin a basic training course next Monday. They will be exposed to social services, self-defence, conflict resolution, psychology and human rights training. The GINA release noted that recently security had been heightened at all prison locations.

Also, provisions have been made for the purchase of two lorries, a pick-up, a fibre-glass boat with outboard engine, life-jackets, a car, tractor, surveillance cameras, arms and ammunition and body armour.