WORK on the state-of-the art forensic laboratory in Dennis Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, is moving swiftly apace, with a significant amount having been completed.

Situated within the precincts of the University of Guyana (UG), the facility will make Guyana’s scientific capability comparable to those in the developed world and allow for a high level of confidentiality, credibility and integrity between law enforcement agencies and the public.
Last December, a US$1.688M contract was signed, by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Western Scientific Company, for the supply of the necessary equipment that would make it, when complete, the best such lab in the Caribbean and one that could withstand scrutiny from any other in the world.
All of the necessities are due to be installed and tested by May in this, another flagship programme for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.
The sod for the building was turned in September 2010 and the cost will be $700M ($500M for the construction and $200M for equipment) with expenditure now moving through the process of the National Procurement Tender Board.
The lab is being erected through an agreement between the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), as part of the institutional strengthening component of the Citizen Security Programme (CSP).
Over the years, the police have been at a disadvantage in carrying out effective investigations related to criminal matters, resulting in unsolved cases. However, the erection of the laboratory will significantly improve local capabilities, thereby enhancing the security sector.
Government is cognisant of the need for more advanced technology to enhance crime fighting by the police and several groundbreaking initiatives have been taken to ensure that the security sector is fully geared to deal with emerging challenges.