History of SLFSL
Inception and Operations:
Inaugurated on December 21, 2009, by Governor General (Emeritus) Dame Pearlette Louisy.
Commenced operations on February 1, 2010, enhancing the island's crime-fighting infrastructure.
Purpose and Standards:
Provides scientific analysis to the criminal justice system with a focus on accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
Adheres to international forensic science standards with strict controls and robust scientific methods.
Serves police, prosecution, victims, suspects, and society with integrity and objectivity.
The facility is currently structured into six sections, each responsible for executing specific services provided by the laboratory:
1. Body Fluid Identification
2. DNA analysis
3. Drug Chemistry (Seized Drugs)
4. Evidence Control
5. Firearms
6. Crime Scene Support & Training
Since 2017, an investment of nearly $4M XCD has been directed toward bringing the Forensic Laboratory up to international standards. This funding covered infrastructural repair, additions, and modifications as well as the procurement of specialized equipment and furniture.
The staffing structure was enhanced to ensure the availability of adequately trained personnel. The lab now has a healthy mix of seasoned and upcoming scientists, passionate about service and possessing strong national pride.
The laboratory intends to recruit more personnel as services expand to bolster firearms analysis (ballistics testing), crime scene response, and potentially document analysis.
The laboratory completely revamped its DNA Unit to include state-of-the-art and cutting edge equipment for DNA analysis with next generation sequencing capabilities.
The Management of the laboratory is dedicated to building the leadership capacity of its middle management to support a sustainable, viable service.
The laboratory began its journey to ISO 17025:2017 accreditation in January 2019, with the COVID-19 pandemic providing the impetus needed to drive achievement of this significant milestone in July 2022.
The team at the Saint Lucia Forensic Science Laboratory has been blessed with technical assistance from a cadre of well recognised forensic experts such as Mr Louis Murray, Dr Stephen King, Dr Valerie Mattimore, Dr Alfredo E Walker, Mr Mark Dixon, Dr Barbra Llewellyn, and Mrs Cheryl Corbin who have contributed to the growth and development of the service.
The lab has also benefited from the assistance of the US Department of State, through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Agency (INL) when the Strategic Capacity Group was assigned to help the lab with its accreditation.
Recognizing the Forensic Lab as a vital resource in the broader crime-fighting effort, the Government of Saint Lucia is fully committed to supporting the consolidation and growth of the Laboratory. The laboratory completed its audit towards expanding its scope of accredited services to include DNA analysis in September 2023, with no non-conformances. In October 2023, the laboratory was supported by the US Department of State to be designated a “Center of Excellence for Forensic Science” in the region, and launched an annual "Regional Leadership Summit" to foster discussion and improve collaboration among regional law enforcement and scientific personnel to advance criminal investigations and prosecutions.
The laboratory intends to leverage its strategic geographical position to provide forensic services to the wider Caribbean region, while fostering high quality standard practices and knowledge sharing for the development of robust and objective forensic services in the region.