THE Ministry of Home Affairs has said that while it is true that the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory was subject to a minor electrical fire on the evening of March 17, 2015, the facts have been exaggerated in the statement released on social media by Attorney-at-law, Mr. Nigel Hughes.

The Ministry in responding to the statement released on social media by Mr. Hughes, which has been featured on other media outlets, said that contrary to his claims that the fire “burnt all the electrical outlets on the rest of the floor”, it should be noted that only a small fraction of electrical outlets were actually affected and these are being replaced.

According to the Ministry’s press statement, the fire itself was caused due to the close proximity of a chair to an outlet when the outlet itself burned due to an electrical surge and a problem which developed in a phase in one of the main cables.

With regard to the issue of air quality at the Laboratory, the Ministry is currently proceeding with legal action against the Design Consultant. Whilst this process is ongoing, consultations are being made with regard to identifying a temporary solution for correcting the air flow issue.

These issues, while regrettable, cannot be attributed to negligence on the part of the Ministry and by extension the Government of Guyana, thus the Ministry rejects the allegations made in the release by Mr. Hughes.

The statement that the “construction of the laboratory is poor with loose tiles scattered throughout the building” could not be more untrue. Evidence of poor construction and loose tiles has not been reported by the Ministry’s representatives on their regular visits to the GFSL nor has the Ministry received complaints on that specific allegation from the staff of the GFSL.

It is not unusual for teething problems to be discovered when such a highly technical and complex structure is built and put into operation.

The Ministry therefore is of the opinion that Mr. Hughes by his comments on this matter is imparting political motives to the staff of the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory.

The Ministry of Home Affairs added that it gives highest consideration to the health and safety of its staff and staff of the Agencies under its purview and is making efforts to ensure that any deficiencies currently being experienced at the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory are alleviated on a timely basis.