THE Ministry of Home Affairs, on Monday, welcomed a high-level delegation from India’s National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, for an official working visit aimed at enhancing bilateral co-operation in forensic science, law enforcement, and criminal justice.

The delegation, which is in Guyana from June 22 to 27, 2025, builds on the strong foundation established during bilateral talks between His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, during the latter’s historic visit to Guyana. That meeting signalled both countries’ commitment to deeper cooperation in science, technology, and security.
This visit also follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on January 17, 2025, between the Governments of Guyana and India, and Guyana’s participation in the All-India Forensic Science Summit held in New Delhi on April 14–15, 2025.

The visiting NFSU team comprises Prof. (Dr.) Naveen Kumar Chaudhary and Prof. (Dr.) Satish Kumar, accompanied by Mr. Manoj Kumar of the High Commission of India in Guyana.
A strategic meeting hosted by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Andre Ally, brought together senior security and forensic officials, including Colonel Sheldon Howell, Acting Chief of Defence Staff and Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA); Ms. Charis Griffith, Acting Director of the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL); and Ms. Sonia Herbert, Director of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Academy. Also present were senior science officers from various departments within the GFSL.

Minister Benn opened the session by extending condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana to the Government of India and families affected by the recent tragic plane crash in India.
He reaffirmed Guyana’s solidarity and emphasised the growing bond between the two nations.

Describing the visit as pivotal to Guyana’s ongoing efforts to modernise its criminal justice system, Minister Benn underscored the government’s goal to build a robust forensic infrastructure, supported by long-term collaboration with NFSU.

The delegation’s itinerary includes operational tours of key institutions such as the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory, the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), and the University of Guyana. They will also participate in meetings with law enforcement and security agencies and attend an official reception hosted by the Indian High Commission.
The engagement focuses on: Knowledge-sharing on forensic science best practices, training models, and quality assurance systems; Exploring capacity-building and technical support initiatives; and discussing collaborative research and institutional partnerships for long-term development.

The NFSU representatives expressed their appreciation for Guyana’s hospitality and conveyed eagerness to pursue joint initiatives, including academic exchanges, forensic training programmes, and applied research.
A major highlight of the discussions was Guyana’s reaffirmed commitment to establishing a Caribbean Regional Centre of Excellence in Forensic Science. This initiative, aligned with President Ali’s vision, aims to position Guyana as a regional hub for cutting-edge forensic training, investigation, and scientific innovation.

The proposed Institute of Excellence in Forensic Science is expected to: Support Guyana’s national security and justice reform goals; provide advanced certification and training for local and regional professionals; build a network of qualified forensic trainers; and foster innovation in evidence-based criminal investigations throughout the Caribbean.

As Guyana and India continue to broaden their diplomatic and technical collaboration, this visit marks a significant step toward a shared vision of safer societies driven by scientific expertise, advanced technology, and global partnerships.