The building of a new Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) estimated at around 13.5 million USD with funding arrangements made through from the Indian Line of Credit was highlighted, today, by the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, at the opening of a five-day Forensic Disciplines Exchange Programme at the Integrated Customs Clearance Centre, Le Chaland, Plaine Magnien. The Director of the FSL, Mrs M. Madhub-Dassyne and the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy, Mrs Judes E.DeBaere, also gave their remarks at the opening ceremony.
The Programme, funded by the United States Department of Defense, is an exchange between the U.S Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Mauritian civil and military experts, including 40 representatives from the FSL, the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) and the Mauritius Police Force (MPF). Nine U.S facilitators from the United States Army’s SETAF-AF are in Mauritius to participate in the programme which is being held from 16 to 20 May 2022.
It will focus on topics related to forensic science, crime scene investigation and evidence preservation and presentation. It will bolster the capabilities to exploit crime scenes and evidence in order to properly investigate crimes and prosecute criminals, particularly in the maritime domain.
In his keynote address, the Prime Minister emphasised that such exchange programme will enhance the capabilities and techniques of investigators as threat evolves. Government, he said, since 2014 has invested heavily so as to improve and expand laboratory capabilities. “The ability of forensic scientists to characterise biological evidence using DNA testing method has been the most notable breakthroughs achieved”, he stated.
Regarding the operational and organisational changes at the FSL, Prime Minister Jugnauth pointed out that a Drugs Unit has been set up at the laboratory, equipped with latest analytical technology for all types of synthetic drugs adding that the FSL certified compliant with the quality standard ISO 17025 is the leading laboratory in the region providing services to neighbouring countries, Seychelles, Djibouti and East African countries.
The Prime Minister also dwelt on the continuous efforts of the MPF to bolster its effectiveness through extensive records and evidence led investigation facilitated by the support of FSL. Speaking of the enhancement of security measures at the port and airport, he indicated that the MRA has acquired high tech equipment for scanning of parcels and containers and of people carrying suspicious luggage. These projects, he said, therefore demonstrate Government’s determination to fight crime in particular drug trafficking.
He seized the opportunity to extend his appreciation to the US Embassy for its collaboration to funding such an important event and appealed to participants to make the most of this exchange programme.
Mrs Madhub-Dassyne, for her part, spoke of the adoption of a more multidisciplinary approach to crime scene management. The commitment to refocus trends, challenges and strategies was also brought forth by the Director, adding that the FSL has evolved in its activities with investment in DNA profiling. She further elaborated on two key areas which are, namely, forensic intelligence for more investigative opportunities and technology development as a significant driver for enhancing forensic science capabilities and for better investigation.
As for Mrs Judes E.DeBaere, she stated, “our efforts will enable Mauritian investigators and prosecutors to conduct complex criminal investigators at sea as well as to prepare strong cases for prosecution and to defend against legal challenges.” It will also allow the US counterparts to learn from the unique experience of Mauritius as a maritime state, she added.
