Retired Alexandrov fears for Forensics

"Simply put, nothing is being done." These were the words of retired forensic pathologist Dr Valery Alexandrov when asked yesterday about the conditions at the Forensic Sciences Centre.

Alexandrov, who resigned in September, said conditions at the centre have not improved since his retirement, and only one forensic pathologist, Dr Hughvon Des Vignes, is doing autopsies which, he says, are close to 1,000 a year.

In Tobago, Alexandrov said, Dr Eslyn McDonald-Burris was in charge of the forensic sciences centre and would have to work in Trinidad as well in Des Vignes’ absence.

“I don’t understand the system they have in place at this time. For the time being, Dr Burris is carrying out the autopsies in Tobago.

“If Dr Des Vignes goes on vacation for Christmas, she will be taking over his duties. Whatever arrangements they are making is absolutely ridiculous, because this office performs more than 1000 autopsies per year, which requires at least four forensic pathologists on board.”

He said, as the centre continues to grapple with a severe staff shortage, the number of bodies he saw during a visit to the centre last week had risen to 950, and confirmed that while the vacancy for a forensic pathologist has been advertised by the National Security Ministry, the process in not simple.

He said fewer than 25 per cent of medical school graduates go on to become forensic pathologists and must spend two years training as residents before being certified.

Alexandrov, who is finishing the last of his forensic reports, is expected to complete his commitments to the centre by December 31.