Guyana signs US$1.6M contract for modern forensic lab

A US$1.688 million contract was on Friday signed by the Home Affairs Ministry and Western Scientific Company for the supply of scientific equipment for the state-of-the-art Police Forensic Laboratory, located at the University of Guyana campus.
Witnessing the signing ceremony at the Home Affairs Ministry, Brickdam, were Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, Junior Finance  Minister Juan Edghill, the contracting company’s officials,  acting Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell and senior police officers.
“Thieves should think twice about crimes they want to commit because the police force will soon be equipped with the tools to follow and find them wherever the trail leads,” Minister Edghill said.
Minister Rohee said the agreement, which was done transparently through the tender board, was an indication of government’s willingness and commitment to equip the Guyana Police Force with the necessary tools to fight crime and catch those who prey on others.
Minister Edghill, in supporting the sentiments of Minister Rohee, urged the supplying company Western Scientific, to ensure that the equipment supplied are as specified and within the budgeted contract, noting, “this is a flagship project for government and the best is expected of it”.
Western Scientific Company President Edwin Mackoon said that when equipped, it will be the best forensic lab in the Caribbean and one that could withstand scrutiny from any other facility in the world.
All of the equipment is due to be installed and tested by May 2013. The contract was co-signed by Citizen’s Security Programme (CSP) Chairman Khemraj Rai, company representatives and Home Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary Angela Johnson on behalf of the ministry and the Guyana government.
Government in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is constructing the Gy$450 million facility. The project falls under the CSP that was initiated between government and the IDB.
This programme has three components: Institutional modernisation of the Home Affairs Ministry, Community Action Component (CAC) and modernisation of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), which includes the strengthening of forensic capability.
Courtney Benn Construction was awarded the contract to construct the forensic laboratory. The lab, installation of closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) around the city, the Integrated Crime Information System that links police stations to information and the establishment of the National Intelligence Agency, form components of the  overall strategy to enhance the police’s capability and curb criminal activities.