-quality, efficiency of police investigations to be enhanced

TO bolster the investigative capabilities of the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL), the government is set to employ five “highly qualified” forensic experts.

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall recently revealed this strategic move which aims to enhance the “investigative capabilities” within the Guyana Police Force. The addition of these experts is expected to significantly improve the state’s investigative and prosecutorial abilities.

Nandlall pointed out that Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) – a Government of Guyana initiative which seeks to offer Guyanese an opportunity to advance their education through online and distance learning (ODL) mode – is offering programmes in forensic science specifically for police officers. As such, he is encouraging those persons to apply.

Recently, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn shared updates on Guyana’s progress in optimizing its DNA-testing capabilities.

He had explained that the country has acquired new equipment, some of which is currently undergoing testing to enhance the lab’s DNA processing capacity.

Benn reported that a rapid-testing device is already operational, while another more complex yet efficient machine is in the validation, testing phase.

“We have new equipment. A rapid test, one which is already operational. The other one is also operational but it has to go through a couple of months of validation testing…That machine is more complicated but more efficient in terms of larger batches and the quality of results it would produce…I think within three, four months based on the validation requirement,” the minister had said.

Minister Benn acknowledged previous setbacks with a machine procured by the previous government, and he emphasised the importance of ensuring the quality and reliability of the equipment.

To illustrate the lab’s current capabilities, Minister Benn mentioned that DNA samples from skeletal remains discovered in Guyana are being tested locally. However, to ensure smooth prosecution in court and until the equipment is certified, some samples will still be sent abroad for testing.

The Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory initiated DNA testing in June 2019 after acquiring crucial equipment with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). This equipment included DNA testing equipment and a Gunshot Residue (GSR) testing device, collectively valued at US$465,000.

Last year, the Guyana Parliament’s Committee of Supply approved $50.5 million to further support the GFSL, specifically to acquire additional DNA equipment. The introduction of DNA testing has been instrumental in various criminal investigations, reducing the need to send samples overseas for testing, which often led to significant delays in obtaining results.

DNA testing at the GFSL involves comparisons and matching of evidence to suspects, family testing (even when the suspect’s DNA is unavailable), and paternity testing. A wide range of samples, including cheek cells, semen, vaginal secretions, hair, blood, and touch DNA, can be collected and submitted for testing.

The GFSL was established in 2014 and comprises four analytical departments (toxicology, documents, trace evidence, and Chemistry) and six non-analytical departments (security, quality system, information system, facilities operation, evidence, and administration).