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Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory gets GNBS certification
(Kaieteur News) – The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on Thursday certified the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) to the National Standard, GYS-170:2021 – General requirements for the operation of a laboratory.
This certification marks a significant step forward in strengthening the quality and reliability of forensic services in Guyana. It underscores the laboratory’s commitment to accuracy, competence, and continuous improvement in support of the justice system and public safety.
In a statement, GNBS said that during the certification ceremony at the laboratory’s Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown location, GNBS Executive Director, Trevor Bassoo, presented a plaque to Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Andre Ally while GNBS Head of Certification Services (ag) Mr. Keon Rankin presented the certificate to Director (ag) of GFSL Charis Griffith.
L-R: GFSL Quality Officer, Abidin Mohamed, PS- Ministry of Home Affairs Andre Allly and Director (ag) of GFSL Ms. Charis Griffith along with staff of GFSL
Also present were GFSL’s Quality Officer, Abidin Mohamed, GNBS Technical Officer, Mr. Orlando Sturge, and others.
Mr. Ally, in his remarks, said that the laboratory’s certification goes beyond mere compliance, reflecting its commitments to quality, competence, and continuous improvement. Recognising the laboratory’s mandate, he further highlighted the importance of reliable results, especially in life-changing decisions such as legal and judicial outcomes.
“By attaining this certification, we have strengthened the foundation that we have already built, aligning our operations with the national requirements that govern laboratory management and performance in Guyana,” Mr. Ally affirmed.
He emphasised that certification ensures that the laboratory’s systems, policies and procedures not only meet international expectations, but also reflect local regulatory needs and best practices, reinforcing its dedication to impartiality and confidentiality.
The laboratory is now certified to conduct Chemistry and Biology testing, including presumptive and confirmatory analyses for cannabis, cocaine, and amphetamine-type stimulants, rapid DNA testing, as well as presumptive and confirmatory tests for blood and semen.
GNBS Executive Director commended the GFSL for taking the necessary steps to achieve certification under the GYS 170 programme. He noted that such certification offers formal recognition of a laboratory’s management system and helps clients identify reliable, trustworthy testing services.
Mr. Bassoo disclosed that the laboratory has been added to a list of 40 other laboratories to be certified by the GNBS and is the sixth non-medical government laboratory to be certified.
“It gives me pride and joy that organisations, agencies and more so laboratories responsible for providing scientific and evidence-based results are taking their roles seriously and taking the steps necessary to qualify their results and provide confidence to their clients and stakeholders,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director (ag) of GFSL noted that this achievement represents not only a milestone for the institution, but also a significant step forward in enhancing quality, accountability, and scientific excellence within Guyana’s forensic system. She added that the certification reflects the GFSL’s unwavering commitment to meeting national requirements, demonstrating competence, maintaining impartiality, and ensuring consistent operations.
“Today, by meeting the requirements of the GYS170:2021 standard, we have demonstrated that our internal systems, policies and processes remain robust, compliant and fully aligned with national expectations,” she pointed out.
Through its Laboratory Certification Programme, the GNBS ensures that certified medical and testing laboratories operate in accordance with the National Standard. Certification also provides formal recognition that a laboratory has implemented a laboratory management system, thus providing a ready means for customers to identify and select reliable testing, measurement and calibration services to meet their needs. Surveillance audits are carried out throughout the certification period to verify continued compliance.
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