As Guyana welcomes the collaboration with four forensic scientists from India, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has announced that the University of Guyana (UG) will be launching a certificate programme in the forensic sciences come this November.
This initiative was announced during an interview with Stabroek News yesterday.
Nandlall informed that the programme will augment the state’s ability to better handle the country’s forensic needs.
“Currently we badly lack the resources needed in these fields, but these forensic scientists are trained in a variety of chemical analysis, determining DNA, examining handwriting and much more. These are methodologies used in first world counties and like what we see in CSI.”
Moreover, this development is expected to bring Guyana’s forensic capabilities in line with international standards, equipping the nation with the skills and expertise required for effective crime scene analysis, evidence examination, and scientific investigation.
This transformation is expected to have an impact on various sectors of Guyanese society, from law enforcement to the legal system. By enhancing the nation’s forensic capabilities, it is projected that the successful resolution of criminal cases, legal proceedings, and public safety, will be significantly improved.
According to the Attorney General, these experts come from diverse backgrounds in forensic science, with extensive experience in areas such as DNA analysis, ballistics, trace evidence analysis, and digital forensics. Their contributions are expected to provide invaluable insight and practical knowledge to students and the police force.
“Nowhere in the Caribbean can you find people like these. We have selected these persons based on their skill sets. You should see their CVs”, he said.
These experts have been contracted to work closely with the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory to provide critical forensic services to support criminal investigations. The collaborative effort is poised to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The development of a forensic sciences programme at UG is said to not only focus on educating the next generation of forensic experts but also on building a strong knowledge base within the country. By providing students with a comprehensive education in forensic sciences, UG aims to contribute to the nation’s capacity to handle and solve complex cases.
Commissioner of Police (ag.) Clifton Hicken has also been asked to include sessions in the standard police training programme that these experts can assist with; however this has not yet been finalised.
