As the global community observes World Accreditation Day 2026, the importance of quality, competence and confidence in essential services is once again brought into focus. In Guyana, several organisations have achieved accreditation to internationally recognised standards, including ISO 15189, Medical Laboratories — Requirements for Quality and Competence, and ISO/IEC 17025, General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
One such organisation is the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL), an agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs whose commitment to accreditation has helped strengthen confidence in forensic science and reinforce trust in the criminal justice system.
Established in 2014, as part of the Government of Guyana’s efforts to modernise the security sector and enhance the investigative capabilities of the Guyana Police Force, the laboratory has become a critical component of the country’s law enforcement framework. Today, the GFSL is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and is also certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) under its Laboratory Certification Programme.
According to Quality Control Officer, Abidin Mohamed, the laboratory began its accreditation journey in 2018, shortly after receiving its first batch of forensic evidence for analysis.
“Accreditation is necessary since our vision is to be the main hub for forensic services, allowing us to fulfil our core objective of providing quality analytical services that can withstand legal scrutiny in courts both nationally and internationally,” Mohamed explained.
That commitment culminated in December 2021 when the laboratory achieved accreditation through JANAAC Global Accreditation. Mohamed attributed the accomplishment to the dedication of staff, the implementation of a robust quality management system, and a shared commitment to excellence.
“For me as a Quality Officer, it is truly an amazing milestone to achieve accreditation,” he said.
The laboratory was initially established with four departments—Chemistry, Toxicology, Biology and Documents. Over the years, it has expanded significantly to include Biology-DNA, Trace Evidence, Ballistics and Forensic Video Evidence. The accreditation currently covers more than 70 per cent of the analytical methods used in forensic examinations at the facility.
The GFSL provides critical forensic testing services for agencies responsible for law enforcement and criminal justice in Guyana. Its work includes the analysis of narcotic substances, human DNA, blood and body fluids, gunshot residue, forged documents and currency, ballistics evidence, ignitable liquid residues, and forensic video evidence.
As forensic science became increasingly important in supporting criminal investigations and court proceedings, the laboratory recognised that accreditation was essential to achieving its goal of becoming a leading forensic services provider.
Mohamed noted that accreditation demonstrates the laboratory’s adherence to internationally recognised best practices and standards, providing clients and stakeholders with confidence in the reliability of its work.
“Our results are accurate and reliable for court proceedings. Accreditation strengthens not only the laboratory but also the judicial process by supporting fair adjudication. It also confirms that our hardworking staff are technically competent to conduct analyses through ongoing training and assessment,” he said.
He added that stakeholder confidence is reflected in the increasing number of requests the laboratory receives for forensic testing services, training and mentorship from organisations both locally and across the region.
“Stakeholders have confidence in our results because we not only follow internationally accepted standards, but we have also been independently assessed against those standards through a rigorous external audit process,” Mohamed noted.
In addition to its international accreditation, the laboratory achieved GNBS National Laboratory Certification in December 2025, further reinforcing its commitment to quality and continual improvement.
“Having GNBS certification provides an additional layer of confidence in the forensic services provided by GFSL. It demonstrates our commitment to both international and national standards. The certification process, along with ongoing audits, helps ensure that we consistently follow the procedures documented in our quality management system,” Mohamed explained.
In Guyana, the GNBS serves as the National Accreditation Focal Point and continues to support public and private laboratories in their pursuit of accreditation. Through its Technical Assistance Programme, the Bureau works with organisations to develop their management systems, strengthen technical competence and ensure compliance with international standards.
On the occasion of World Accreditation Day, June 2026, the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory stands as a powerful example of how accreditation drives excellence, builds stakeholder confidence and delivers meaningful benefits to society. Through its commitment to internationally recognised standards, continuous improvement and technical competence, the laboratory continues to play a vital role in strengthening justice, enhancing public trust and supporting a safer Guyana.
