Forensic Science Lab, GA-FDD, IAST launch training to strengthen capacity in labs across Guyana

The Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL), in collaboration with the Government Analyst–Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) and the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), today officially opened a three-day Inter-Laboratory Training on Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) at the IAST Boardroom, University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus.
The training is designed to strengthen technical capacity across laboratories in Guyana that currently utilise, or are preparing to adopt, Atomic Absorption (AA) systems in their operations.

Participating institutions include the GFSL, GA-FDD, IAST, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), University of Guyana (UG), Hydrometeorological Service (Hydromet), Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB), National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), IMEX, Rice Development Board, Guyana Power and Light (GPL), and Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).
This initiative is the first of its kind in Guyana, reaching across both Government and private laboratories. Importantly, it is being offered at no cost to participating laboratories, ensuring broad access to specialised training and reinforcing national efforts toward scientific advancement and sustainable development.
Over the course of three days, participants will engage in a mix of theoretical and practical sessions covering the principles, instrumentation, and applications of atomic absorption spectroscopy. Demonstrations include Flame AAS, Graphite Furnace AAS, and Hydride Generation techniques, along with hands-on training on the Agilent SpectrAA software for real-time data acquisition, calibration, and analysis.
Participants will also be exposed to training on digestion and sample preparation, with emphasis on microwave-assisted digestion, and the importance of maintaining rigorous Quality Control (QC) procedures will be strongly reinforced.
The training is being facilitated by Mr Kumar Latchman, a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in atomic absorption spectroscopy through both academic and applied practice. His instruction is expected to enhance participants’ technical skills and deepen their understanding of AA applications in analytical science.
The event featured a keynote address by Minister Benn, who emphasised the critical role of science and technology in national development.
Minister Benn highlighted the momentous period Guyana is experiencing, asserting, “We are at a particularly momentous point in the history of our country. That’s the political development, but what about social, economic and scientific development?” He stressed the importance of optimising the country’s skilled but small scientific workforce to meet growing opportunities, stating, “You as scientists and engineers have the greatest opportunity going forward, and now the greatest platform in terms of excelling in your profession; in the opportunities we have now, this moment will not come again soon.”
The Minister also urged a culture of rigorous scientific practice and collaboration, advising, “Don’t just focus on doing it. You have to have some knowledge of what is upstream, how the samples are collected, what integrity it has, and what are the checks you could make for sample integrity in the suite of samples that we have?”
He encouraged thinking beyond inherited standards: “We can make our standards and replicate them … Can we do research to see what else we could make to make our processes more efficient, more scientifically reliable and more appropriate for circumstances?”
Minister Benn also spoke to the broader need for unity and shared purpose in driving national progress, poignantly stating, “We have to fly this plane together, irrespective of race, religion, class or culture… You have to learn to respect and love each other. Love each other more.”
Also in attendance were Mr Delon France, Head of the GFSL; Mr Deonarine Jagdeo, Director of the IAST; Ms Ayodele Singh, PASO, GA-FDD; and Mr Patrick Ketwaru, lecturer at UG.
This collaborative training initiative highlights the commitment of the GFSL, GA-FDD, and IAST to building scientific capacity and ensuring that laboratories across Guyana are equipped to conduct accurate, reliable, and internationally recognised analyses.