-boost in state’s investigative, prosecutorial abilities expected

TO bolster the investigative capabilities of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Government of Guyana has appointed nine highly qualified forensic analysts to the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL).

This strategic move is expected to significantly improve the state’s investigative and prosecutorial abilities.

Science Officers: Joylyn Conway, Eric Grenion, Dawnel Monplaisir, Mauwaveau Solomon, Vishal Jaigobain, Uriv Mhashilkar, Rachna Chandela, Anurag Shrivastava and Lakshmikant Yadav were appointed as analysts effective February 5 by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn.

Last month, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, had announced that the government will be making substantial investments in forensic science and technological advancements to deal with increasingly sophisticated criminal activities.

In the 2024 budget, $250 million was specifically allocated to improve investigative and forensic capabilities. This investment will facilitate training programmes both locally and regionally.

“We are investing in these programmes and policies right across the divide. We have recognised, like the rest of the world, that we have to change our approach to investigation if we are going to succeed,” Nandlall said.

Reflecting on the evolving nature of crime, Nandlall remarked: “With the technological changes that are taking place across the globe, crime has not remained stagnant. The criminal has wised up. The criminal takes advantage of technological changes.”

A pivotal development in this initiative is the operationalisation of a DNA analysis workflow system, acquired in 2022.

This state-of-the-art technology has significantly bolstered forensic crime-fighting capabilities within the Guyana Police Force.
In 2023, the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) analysed a significant number of biology cases, involving over 900 DNA specimens.

Nandlall highlighted the importance of evolving law enforcement techniques in response to these changes, noting: “In the face of that, we can’t have the same type of approach to policing, which we may have 30 years ago. So, we are investing heavily in forensic science, in all forms.”

The GFSL’s performance in 2023 paints a picture of a robust and evolving forensic capability.

The laboratory performed analyses in 606 cases, involving over 9,000 pieces of individual evidence. These cases encompassed a wide range of substances and evidence types, marking a significant improvement from the 551 cases processed in 2022.

New to 2023 is the laboratory’s ability to identify corrosive substances and new psychoactive substances. This enhancement reflects the government’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving criminal methodologies.

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, 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).

The lab has also significantly upgraded its DNA testing capabilities. With newly improved instrumentation, the laboratory can now test challenging samples such as bones, fingernail clippings, and liver tissue. This advancement plays a crucial role in positive identification cases involving unknown remains.

Nandlall said the implementation of these advanced technologies and training initiatives represent a holistic approach by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government to crime fighting in Guyana.
He pointed out that by investing in state-of-the-art forensic science and equipping law enforcement personnel with modern investigative techniques, the government is taking a proactive stance in ensuring public safety and security.