Forensic lab enable DNA tes

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan has confirmed that the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory will benefit from the investment of close to US$1 million for upgrades that will enable it to conduct DNA testing.

“As the laboratory strives towards the achievement of ISO certification and accreditation in 2018, the Citizens Security [Strengthening Programme] is going to invest close to US$1 million to upgrade the laboratory’s infrastructure and equip the laboratory to conduct DNA testing,” Ramjattan said during his contribution to the debate of the 2018 national budget last Thursday.

Ramjattan pointed out that the government has had a number of problems with the lab. “Initially it was only for trace evidence testing, chemistry testing, toxicology, and serology but there was a talk that it would be for DNA. It was not made structurally, and the ventilation… and also security wise for DNA testing,” he said as a government member blurted out “they [the PPP/C] never wanted DNA testing.”

Ramjattan said he had to plead with the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) officials to provide additional money for the purpose of including DNA testing. “That is why we are getting the money now in 2018,” he said, while noting that the lab benefitted from the support and expertise of an international consultant funded by the IDB this year.

The $1.049 billion lab, which was funded by the IDB, was commissioned on July 14, 2015, at which time it was stated that in addition to conducting a broad range of tests, a section of the sprawling 12, 000-ft complex will be used as a training ground for science students of the University of Guyana.

It was later revealed that there was no provision for DNA testing and this resulted in concerns being expressed.

Observers had said that the former government made a grave error in this regard, particularly since Guyana spends too much money sending samples to overseas labs. n p li w an th S to m st 1 th th p th n

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