This crisis must end

In a country with billions in revenue annually, it is nothing short of an obscenity what has reported in relation to the forensics facilities.

We have heard of shambolic plans to ferry bodies to Trinidad; of exhausted staffers declining to work in protest of a lack of resources; of temporary contracts to buy expertise; of a handful of pathologists for thousands of required examinations; of a lack of compliance with DNA laws; of forensic exhibits going missing; of internecine conflict among pressured staff members; of a lack of systems.

The time has come to say enough is enough. The last government gave us a pappy show, announcing the Cabinet approval of new posts and scholarships — all pending public service finalisation.

The current government has, until now it seems, continued the dance. Whatever processes have been in train have not been working. In fact, the question of appointments to the forensic sciences staff of the State should never have been allowed to fall within the hands of the public service.

Crime is too pressing an issue.

We must refuse to allow our nation to be buried under mounds of bureaucracy while the citizenry continue to die.

Make no mistake about the importance of this issue. The integrity of the entire justice system depends upon it.

How are officers to come to conclusions about the facts surrounding a death if they do not have a cause of death; if they cannot sift through the circumstances surrounding a body’s last moments; if it is impossible to confirm the identity of the victim? How is a prosecutor to lay a charge if there are such vital gaps in evidence? How is a jury to convict, a judge direct? There is all this talk about resuming hangings. But no one can trust the integrity of a criminal justice system that cannot get the basics right. Forensics relate to more than just murders, too. There is a plethora of other matters which also have to be tested by the State’s officials.

So, it’s time to stop beating around the bush. The crime situation is unacceptable, and we are beyond old talk. If it is true that the State is offering contract work to pathologists, then we say the State should do far better: offer contracts of employment. If temporary contract work is unsuitable then make that work full-time. If this falls afoul of current laws or regulations, then pass a new law in Parliament on an emergency basis. Engage with the Opposition if this requires a special majority. Replicate the recent success in relation to the abolition of child marriage which saw both the PNM and UNC unite to end that practice once and for all.

The State is guilty of the foulest abuse if it continues to heap pressure on the hardworking members of the forensic science centre. It would also be failing in its duty if it is unable to view these matters as grave issues pertaining to our national security.

The situation in Tobago is inexcusable and the Tobago House of Assembly cannot wash its hands of blame.

When all is said and done there is also a need to enhance our capacity. We must procure and adopt the latest technology, train staff constantly and review all of the present structures for possible expansion.

All stakeholders must come together forthwith to bring this crisis to an end