At a cost of US$454,000, the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) is now equipped to conduct DNA identification analysis.
At a ceremony at the Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown facility, the Italian made equipment were commissioned in the presence of Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan and other key officials, including the Director of the Laboratory Delon France.
Through support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the GFSL can now offer to test in DNA direct comparison or matching evidence to criminal suspects, paternity, and family mapping.
Testing samples include semen, vaginal, hair with root, blood, and touch DNA.
The equipment can run eight samples at once in less than two hours, allowing for a fast turnaround and improved investigation rate and closure in matters requiring DNA analysis. Tests are expected to start tomorrow.
Another equipment, the Scanning Electron Microscope, also called Phenom XL or Phenom GSR, was introduced to Guyana for the first time. This will be used for gunshot residue testing. The equipment can also do testing on glass, paint, and other elements through comparative analysis on evidence collected from crime scenes that are non-DNA in nature. The equipment can identify and confirm the presence of GSR particles and can compare structure in evidential specimens.
Together, the two-equipment cost $97M.
Minister Ramjattan said this period in Guyana’s history will be remarkable for its movement away from the simple methods in scientific detection. He said DNA remains a valuable crime-fighting tool as he pointed out that the security sector has been faced with financial challenges sending samples overseas for testing. Time has also been a challenge for the sector.
“With this new equipment both the time and cost will be reduced significantly,” he promised, reporting that a cost per test will only be $60,000.
France said with such advancements, criminal and forensic investigation has moved up another level and will bring adjudication to more criminal cases over time. He added, “As the only forensic laboratory in Guyana, we will continue to advance our skills and technology…as we collaborate under various treaties to combat national and international crimes.”
Two staff members of the GFSL have already been trained in DNA analysis.
Commissioned back in 2014, the Forensic Science Laboratory was fitted with four analytical departments; the toxicology, documents trace evidence and chemistry and six non-analytical departments. However, it was until February 2017 that the testing of samples from law enforcement agencies began.
