CRIME Chief Leslie James told this publication yesterday he remains optimistic that the newly opened Guyana Forensic Sciences Laboratory (GFSL) would soon have capability to deal with DNA, despite negative criticisms regarding its current lack of capability in this regard.

He explained that the GPF is taking things in their stride, and as such, are relying on the utterances of President Donald Ramotar; Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon; and Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Clement Rohee, that the GFSL will be outfitted to carry out DNA testing, a move that would significantly boost the GPF efforts at solving crimes, including murders.

James explained that the ability to conduct DNA testing is significant and useful in cases where there is a murder and the victim cannot be physically identified because the body is in an advanced state of decomposition.

He noted that a situation in point exists in the case of the female body in advanced decomposition found at Pattensen, East Coast Demerara, whose facial features are unrecognisable, having been exposed to the elements.

James said tissue samples were taken from that body and preserved to be sent overseas for DNA testing to aid the probe in identifying the victim, so surviving relatives can have closure and the suspect can be arrested and charged.

The Crime Chief also told this publication that crime sleuths took hair samples from relatives of the missing teacher Nyozi Goodman, who have been cooperating in the probe to identify the decomposing body.

James said DNA is a supplementary tool to bolster operations within any law enforcement agency such as the Guyana Police Force (GPF), but he noted that it is not required on a regular basis, although DNA testing can assist the police significantly.

He pointed out that several cases are before the GPF, such as those of Sheema Mangar and 89-year-old Millicent Cummings, among others, but he explained that in relation to a murder, the year-and-day method is applicable because, if there is a murder which can be solved in a year and a day, the suspect appears in court to be charged.

He said that the GFSL would be DNA capable in due time, and it will be a welcome initiative to aid in several cases that are pending, since the GPF relies on overseas counterparts to do its DNA testing, which entails a process.

The GFSL is retrofitted with state-of-the-art equipment and highly specialised evidence recording systems that would keep track of all evidence submitted for analysis. It is specialised in analysing toxic substances, narcotic and pharmaceutical drugs, alcohol, forged document and biological fluids.

Additionally, based on a mandate given by President Donald Ramotar and the Cabinet, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been tasked with the responsibility of introducing some element of DNA testing at the GFSL.

The GFSL was officially opened on July 15, 2014. Its main building comprises two floors totalling 12,000 square feet. The ground floor houses the administrative offices, library and research area, conference room, security monitoring, evidence submission and wash room.

The first floor accommodates the GFSL’s four departments — chemistry; toxicology; document and evidence trace — each of which has six laboratories and an instrument room. The facility also consists of a single floor service building totalling 26,000 square feet.

(By Michel Outridge)