THE Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL), in partnership with the Government Analyst–Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) and the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), on Wednesday, opened a three-day Inter-Laboratory Training on Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The sessions are being hosted at the IAST Boardroom, University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus.

The training, the first of its kind in Guyana, aims to strengthen technical capacity across government and private laboratories currently using—or preparing to adopt—Atomic Absorption (AA) systems. It is being offered free of charge, ensuring broad access to specialised knowledge that will reinforce national efforts toward scientific advancement and sustainable development.
Participating institutions include the GFSL, GA-FDD, IAST, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), University of Guyana (UG), Hydrometeorological Service (Hydromet), Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB), National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), IMEX, Rice Development Board, Guyana Power and Light (GPL), and Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).

BUILDING TECHNICAL CAPACITY
Over the next three days, participants will take part in both theoretical and practical sessions covering the principles, instrumentation, and applications of AAS. Training will include demonstrations of Flame AAS, Graphite Furnace AAS, and Hydride Generation techniques, along with hands-on experience using Agilent SpectrAA software for real-time data acquisition, calibration, and analysis.

Sessions also cover sample preparation, including microwave-assisted digestion, while reinforcing the importance of rigorous Quality Control (QC) procedures.
The training is being led by Mr. Kumar Latchman, a seasoned expert with extensive academic and applied experience in Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.

Delivering the keynote address, Former Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, underscored the critical role of science and technology in Guyana’s development.
“We are at a particularly momentous point in the history of our country,” he told participants. “You as scientists and engineers have the greatest opportunity going forward, and now the greatest platform in terms of excelling in your profession. The opportunities we have now—this moment will not come again soon.”

The Minister urged scientists to adopt rigorous practices, maintain sample integrity, and think beyond inherited standards. “We can make our standards and replicate them… Can we do research to see what else we could make to make our processes more efficient, more scientifically reliable and more appropriate for our circumstances?” he challenged.
He further called for unity and shared purpose in advancing national progress, stating: “We have to fly this plane together, irrespective of race, religion, class or culture… You have to learn to respect and love each other. Love each other more.”

Also present at the opening were Mr. Delon France, Head of the GFSL; Mr. Deonarine Jagdeo, Director of the IAST; Ms. Ayodele Singh, PASO, GA-FDD; and Mr. Patrick Ketwaru, Lecturer, UG.
The initiative underscores the commitment of the GFSL, GA-FDD, and IAST to building scientific capacity and ensuring that Guyana’s laboratories are equipped to deliver accurate, reliable, and internationally recognized analyses.