[UPDATED] Three new forensic pathologists in 6 months

THE RECRUITMENT of three forensic pathologists is expected to be completed in six months, reported National Security Minister Stuart Young.

He was responding to a question in the Senate yesterday on medium- and long-term steps to address the shortage of forensic pathologists at the Forensic Science Centre.

He said there were four positions for forensic pathologists there, and three were currently filled, by Dr Easlyn Mc Donald-Burris, Dr Hughvon Des Vignes and Dr Somu Sekhar Gajula. Young reported the ministry was actively reviewing the application for the one vacant position.

“Once the requisite administrative process is fulfilled and satisfied, consideration will be given to engaging the applicant.”

He also reported that as a medium- to long-term initiative the National Security Ministry has engaged the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to help with obtaining three additional forensic pathologists.

“This matter is currently being pursued by the ministry and it is anticipated that, once all administrative issues are fulfilled, the recruitment process can commence.”

Opposition Senator Wade Mark asked if there was any study to ascertain the optimum number of pathologists at the centre, but Young said he was not aware of any study that changes the number of pathologists being sought.

He said ballistics were being done at the Forensic Science Centre and there was a misperception that it would take six years to test ballistics, a reference made by Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith. He explained that there was a backlog in ballistics but the police armourers were assisting with the backlog and a police unit trained by the US in ballistic testing that was dismantled by the previous administration was also back up and running. He added that if there was a request for a test to be fast tracked it can be prioritised.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

THE RECRUITMENT of three forensic pathologists is expected to be completed in six months, reported National Security Minister Stuart Young.

He was responding to a question in the Senate on Tuesday on medium- and long-term steps to address the shortage of forensic pathologists at the Forensic Science Centre.

He said there are four positions for forensic pathologists there, and three are currently filled, by Dr Easlyn Mc Donald-Burris, Dr Hughvon Des Vignes and Dr Somu Sekhar Gajula. Young reported the ministry is actively reviewing the application for the one vacant position.

"Once the requisite administrative process is fulfilled and satisfied, consideration will be given to engaging the applicant."

He also reported that as a medium- to long-term initiative the National Security Ministry has engaged the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to help with obtaining three additional forensic pathologists.

"This matter is currently being pursued by the ministry and it is anticipated that, once all administrative issues are fulfilled, the recruitment process can commence."