Lancashire University Professor willing to share forensic expertise with Guyana

Developments in the sciences locally, particularly forensic capabilities have inspired Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire Professor David Phoenix to share some of his knowledge in this field.

He met President Donald Ramotar on June 17 in the company of a team from the University of Central Lancashire to continue the longstanding partnership that has been existing with the University of Guyana.

Other members of the visiting team included Dean of the School of Built and Natural Environment Professor Akintola Akintoye, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Guyana Dr Emanuel Cummings, and Guyanese Professor Jaipaul Singh at the University of Central Lancashire.

President Donald Ramotar with Deputy Vice Chancellor of the

University of Central Lancashire Professor David Phoenix,

(third from left) Dean of the School of Built and Natural

Environment Professor Akintola Akintoye (right) Dean of the

Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr. Emanuel Cummings (second

from left) and Professor, Jaipaul Singh, of the University of

Central Lancashire (left)

Forensics was on the list of exciting developments in the local economy, discussed during the meeting with the President.

Guyana’s Forensic laboratory is scheduled for completion very soon. Equipment that will outfit the facility is already in the country and staff selected.

Late last year a US$1.69M contract was signed for the supply of scientific equipment for the laboratory that is located in the vicinity of the University of Guyana close to Dennis Street, Sophia.

The Inter–American Development Bank is a partner with the Guyana Government on the $700M facility and several others under the Citizen Security Programme (CSP) like the recently commissioned Police Training Center.

It is touted to be the best in the Caribbean and the solution to the challenges faced by the police force in investigating and solving murder cases.

At the commissioning of the Police Training Centre on Monday, President Ramotar expressed the hope that the new forensic lab will influence expeditiousness and bring closure to criminal cases, much to the satisfaction of families whose members have fallen victim to crimes.

He described it as part of government’s efforts over the years to recapitalise the force with the necessary resources.