By Mark DaCosta- In the wake of the recently concluded 2026 Budget debates, MP Sherod Duncan of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has voiced concerns regarding the adequacy of the government’s commitment to genuine rehabilitation within the prison system.
Duncan’s statement highlights the disparity between ambitious visions and the tangible reality of investments in human development versus mere infrastructure. The statement draws attention to the government’s allocations, stressing that a budget should reflect the values and priorities of a society, rather than merely serving as a financial ledger.
According to Duncan, the recently approved budget of $1.558 trillion ought to serve as a turning point for the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) and the broader justice system. However, scrutiny is warranted as the MP questions whether the billions earmarked for prison infrastructure truly serve rehabilitation goals or merely expand the capacity for incarceration.
He asserts that while the government’s reported recidivism rate stands at 14 percent, the allocation of funds appears disproportionately skewed toward physical structures rather than essential human capital development. The criticisms serve to emphasise the disconnect between the government’s professed commitment to reform and the practicalities reflected in budgetary allocations.
Duncan has specifically pointed to the $1.5 billion allocated for the improvement of prison facilities, which is portrayed as an effort aligning with the internationally acclaimed “Nelson Mandela Rules.” Nonetheless, he cautions against letting funds become entangled in construction delays or excessive costs. “
Accountability means asking why… the `Fresh Start` toolkits and vocational training programs remain a fraction of the infrastructure spend,” Duncan stated, underlining the urgency for measurable results that benefit rather than merely confine individuals.
This perspective is crucial as our nation grapples with the broader implications of its criminal justice policies. In prioritising physical structures over the humane aspects of rehabilitation, critics fear that the government may inadvertently foster an environment of prolonged incarceration without addressing the factors contributing to the cycle of reoffending. Duncan’s remarks reflect a deep sense of responsibility within the APNU to monitor the execution of these ambitious projects closely.
Moreover, the focus on a “rehabilitation-first” philosophy, as advocated by the government, raises questions about the genuine will to effect change. The MP emphasises that while such a vision is commendable, it is meaningless without the necessary backing in terms of training for officers and rehabilitation for inmates. “We are now in the period where promises must become performance,” Duncan urges, calling attention to the precarious balance that should exist between infrastructure spending and human development.
As the government sets forth its plans, it stands at a precipice, where the success of its vision hinges upon effective implementation. The concern that the present administration could be more focused on constructing new walls rather than nurturing individuals for reintegration into society looms large. It points towards an urgent need for a paradigm shift in how our country approaches correctional services.
This ongoing discourse finds strong resonance with many who believe that the true test of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable, including those who find themselves entangled in the justice system. Duncan’s incisive critique serves as a notable reminder that substantial change requires more than just fiscal resources; it demands the genuine intention to rehabilitate and reintegrate individuals into society, fostering a safer and more equitable community for all. The question remains whether the current government is fully prepared to rise to this critical challenge.
