Justice Minister Christlyn Moore said yesterday there was no problem at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, and there was also no shortage of forensic pathologists, especially ones that were properly qualified. In a telephone interview yesterday, Moore said as far as she was concerned everything was running smoothly at the centre and all the forensic pathologists were equipped with suitable qualifications.
"As far as I am aware there is no problem at the Forensic Science Centre. We have no shortages of forensic pathologists," Moore added. Asked about the conditions and whether there was proper and modern equipment at the centre Moore said there were plans to upgrade the facility.
The minister, however, said there have been many misconceptions about the issue of forensic pathologists which has surfaced since the conflicting autopsy reports of soldier Lance Corporal Curtis Marshall. The first two autopsies listed the cause of death as asphyxia consistent with strangulation. A third autopsy indicated the soldier may have died from an asthma attack. A toxicology report has since been ordered.
Moore said she was putting together a "comprehensive press release" clarifying many issues which is expected to be issued tomorrow. Marshall's issue has raised questions about the competence of forensic pathologists and has caused Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan to criticise the capability of some pathologists.
Khan said Dr Hubert Daisley and Dr Eastlyn McDonald-Burris–both of whom performed the autopsies–were qualified as forensic pathologists as far as the board was concerned. "As far as I am aware, the only doctor who is a forensic pathologist in this country, being registered with the medical board, is Dr (Valery) Alexandrov," Khan had said.
On Tuesday, however, he apologised to McDonald-Burris, saying he never intended to insinuate she was not suitable for the job as a forensic pathologist. McDonald-Burris has been working at the Forensic Science Centre since 2000. Khan said: "I apologise for saying she is unqualified as she is qualified as a medical doctor with an additional degree in forensic medicine.
"But I maintain she (McDonald-Burris) needs to regularise her speciality status as a forensic pathology specialist with the Medical Board. For that I remain fixed."