The Ministry of Home Affairs today (June 23, 2025), hosted a delegation from the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, India, for an official visit from June 22 to 27, 2025, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in forensic science, law enforcement, and criminal justice.
The foundation of this strategic partnership was laid during bilateral discussions between His Excellency, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Guyana. The resulting dialogue signaled a shared commitment to fostering innovation and institutional cooperation in science, technology, and security.
This visit builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on January 17, 2025, between the Government of Guyana and the Government of India and follows the Guyanese delegation’s participation in the All-India Forensic Science Summit in New Delhi on April 14–15, 2025.
The NFSU delegation comprised of Prof. (Dr.) Naveen Kumar Chaudhary, and Prof. (Dr.) Satish Kumar. They were accompanied by Mr. Manoj Kumar of the High Commission of India in Guyana.
The delegation engaged in a strategic meeting hosted by the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Robeson Benn, and Mr. Andre Ally, Permanent Secretary and attended by senior officials including Colonel Sheldon Howell, Acting Chief of Defence Staff and Director of NISA, Ms. Charis Griffith, Acting Director, Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL), Ms. Sonia Herbert, Senior Superintendent and Director, GPF Academy, Mr. Ray Mercurius, Deputy Superintendent and Officer in Charge of the Crime Lab, Ms. Mauwaveaú Solomon, Science Officer, Trace Evidence Department, Ms. Danielle Adonis, Chemistry Department, Mr. Vishual Jaigobind, Science Officer, Biology Department, and Mr. Jason Benn, Senior Science Officer.
The itinerary featured operational tours of the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory, Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), and the University of Guyana. The visit also includes an official reception to be hosted by the Indian High Commission, and meetings with security and law enforcement agencies.
This engagement provided a platform for:
• Knowledge exchange on best practices in forensic science, training, and quality assurance
• Discussions on technical support and capacity-building initiatives
• Exploration of collaborative frameworks for research, training, and institutional partnerships.
During the formal opening meeting, Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon’ ble Robeson Benn, extended sincere condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana to the Government of India and the families affected by the recent tragic plane crash in India. He expressed solidarity with the Indian people during this difficult time, noting the deepening bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Minister Benn highlighted the significance of the visit as a continuation of Guyana’s commitment to enhancing investigative capabilities and scientific support for criminal justice. He affirmed the Government’s intent to cultivate long-term cooperation with NFSU in developing a robust forensic infrastructure.
The NFSU delegation expressed appreciation for the hospitality and shared enthusiasm for future joint initiatives, including training programs, academic exchange, and applied research in forensic science.
The discussions reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to establishing a Caribbean Regional Centre of Excellence in Forensic Science. This initiative aligns with President Ali’s vision for Guyana to serve as a regional hub for training in forensic and investigative techniques, as well as the home of a state-of-the-art forensic laboratory that caters to both national and regional needs.
The proposed Institute of Excellence in Forensic Science will, support Guyana’s national security and justice reform goals, provide advanced training and certification programmes for local and regional professionals, strengthen human resource capacity and develop a corps of forensic trainers, promote scientific innovation in criminal investigations across the Caribbean.
As both countries continue to expand their diplomatic and technical cooperation, this visit underscores a shared vision for safer communities through advanced forensic science, skilled human capital, and international collaboration.