European companies awarded over $170 million in 2 contracts

Long-awaited Forensic Lab

– sea defences for rehabilitation

As Government seeks to operationalise the long-delayed Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory, two contracts valued some $172.6 million were awarded to two European firms for the procurement of forensic equipment under the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP).
In a Government release, it was observed that the deal was sealed by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).
According to information disclosed, Dutch healthcare provider CEDI Europe bv was granted a US$319,512.83 ($66.4 million) contract for “selected items”, while Italian-based Q and T SPA received a US$ 510, 723.47 ($106.2 million) contract under a similar “selected items” heading. When fully functional, the lab will be able to undertake DNA testing.
DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is the building blocks of all living organisms, and DNA testing has been used to solve murders in many of the world’s countries. In July 2014, over three years ago, Guyana’s first forensic laboratory was officially opened, but the lack of DNA testing at the facility continues to hamper the solving of many high-profile murder cases.
The inadequacies of the local lab came to the fore in light of last year’s brutal murder of Richard Ishmael Secondary School teacher Kescia Branche, whose battered body was found at Princes Street and Louisa Row, Georgetown.
Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had explained to reporters in December 2017 that the necessary infrastructure was still not in place to preserve the DNA samples.
He had earlier expressed hope that the facility would be fully operational by 2017, and had later given all assurances that DNA testing would be conducted at the facility sometime in 2018.
He added then that the American Embassy was supporting the move to have DNA testing done here, which falls under the second component of the Public Security Ministry’s Citizen Security Strengthening Programme to improve the lab’s effectiveness in aiding criminal investigations.
The forensic laboratory is currently equipped to conduct tests to determine fake currency, forged documents, narcotics, and ballistics.
Ramjattan had noted that staff and training on using the equipment to conduct the tests are needed.

Sea defence rehabilitation
Meanwhile, Cabinet on March 10 announced several revetment contracts for driving steel piles to shore up sea defences. The defences slated to benefit are along the coastline from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Contracts were also awarded for defences on the Essequibo islands of Wakenaam, Leguan and Zeelandia.
It was earlier this month that several sea defences along sections of West Coast Demerara and East Bank Essequibo were damaged, resulting in millions of dollars in losses.