Calls Grow for Greater Forensic Science Investment in Antigua and Barbuda
There is growing public and governmental support for enhanced forensic science capabilities in Antigua and Barbuda, with investments underway to reduce reliance on overseas testing and strengthen crime-solving efforts.
In response to national concerns over rising crime, Prime Minister Gaston Browne confirmed that the government is committed to developing a state-of-the-art forensic lab, expanding forensic training opportunities, and increasing local expertise in crime scene investigations.
Browne revealed that construction is already in progress for a forensic laboratory in the Coolidge area, with the support of funding from the People’s Republic of China. The facility is expected to significantly improve local forensic capabilities, allowing authorities to process evidence more efficiently without having to send critical samples abroad.
“We do accept the need for a well-built forensic lab, and we are taking the necessary steps to make this a reality. The facility is currently being built, and additional funding has been requested for specialized equipment,” Browne stated.
Once operational, the lab will handle DNA testing, toxicology reports, ballistics analysis, and fingerprint identification, reducing delays caused by outsourcing forensic work to foreign laboratories.
The government has also identified a need to train more forensic professionals, as the country currently lacks a sufficient number of forensic experts to meet growing demands. Browne noted that scholarships are available for students interested in pursuing forensic science, but he urged more young people to take advantage of these opportunities.
“We have a scholarship program, and forensic science is an area we will certainly prioritize. However, we find that many students still opt for traditional fields like law instead of fields where there are employment gaps,” he said.
With recent violent crimes drawing national attention, there is increased urgency to equip law enforcement with modern forensic tools to help solve cases more effectively. Citizens have called for more investment in:
- Fingerprinting databases to track known offenders.
- Crime scene evidence processing to speed up investigations.
- Advanced DNA testing to link suspects to crimes.
A recent message sent to the Prime Minister urged that forensic capabilities should be a national priority, arguing that crime impacts not only citizens’ safety but also the country’s reputation and economic stability, particularly in tourism.
As the government works to complete the forensic lab and expand training opportunities, Browne stressed that national security and crime-fighting efforts remain a top priority.
“There cannot be sustained economic or social development in an environment of instability. We are committed to ensuring Antigua and Barbuda has the forensic resources needed to strengthen public safety,” he stated.
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It doesn’t matter what lab is been built, it’s good as an empty shell while it falls under the ALP politicians, people will go there to sit and return home, that would have to be managed by a private company and investment to function, no political interference as how court document go missing, oops! If it’s a private company lab they won’t be paid timely by government which will mean it’s imminent foreclosure.
I’ve been expressing this NEEED for YEARS. It’s crazy we had to lose an adolescent for this to be a “priority” when over the last 3 years our “missing persons” list is over 80.
How will this lab take to build? and will it really make a difference. Lets take a moment and think about all the structures that were built and nothing came from them. ALP need to know if they invest money in something that things need to have guarantee that it is going to succeed!
This lab is something we should have long time!!! It would come in handy for alot of cases and crimes for sure.
I wouldn’t trust the outcome of a forensic lab in Antigua sadly. We can expect evidence to go missing like it did in the Aflack shooting. Break-ins like when they tried to remove dollyhouse body from barnes funeral home onto a boat. Would you trust this lab to confirm any rich business man DNA found at a crime scene ? State of the art in Antigua usually means it will be ran into the ground through negligence.