Inmate of Guyana Camp Street Prison secures first prize in essay writing

An essay focusing on "A Person who Inspired Me" earned an inmate at the Camp Street Prison first place in the Inter-Prison competition in Guyana. The competition organised by the Prisons' Welfare and Corrections department saw Surendra Sukhdeo emerged winner out of 25 essays received from four other Prisons' locations.Second place went to Davernand Dhandari of New Amsterdam Prison, while Gomeshwar Perez of Timehri Prison (third), Tamira Melville of New Amsterdam Prison (fourth) and Kenneth Griffith of Camp Street Prison came in fifth.In his reaction at the Prize Giving Ceremony held this afternoon (June 22, 2022) at the Camp Street Prison Compound, the elated Sukhdeo disclosed that he achieved the feat because of the support and encouragement he received from other inmates.Meanwhile, Officer in Charge of Prisons' Welfare and Corrections Marielle Bristol-Grant said the Inter Prison Essay Competition is a rehabilitative project which is aimed at increasing the reading proficiency of inmates, improving their literacy levels in general and facilitating their transition into formal education.Bristol-Grant also mentioned that the competition is aimed at facilitating the rehabilitation and reintegration of violent offenders into society and also preventing recidivism.Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot in his comments, commended the participants and said that the Guyana Prison Service will not relent in its commitment towards providing a habitable and conducive environment for learning. He also stated that the Infrastructural improvements will only seek to compliment the mandate to rehabilitate. Director further stated that discussion is being conducted with several stakeholders in relation to post release support for inmates to further support the fresh start initiative launched earlier this year.Also present at the event were the family members and members of the Prisons Training Board.