Antigua and Barbuda is on course to open its first national forensic laboratory, marking a significant step toward enhancing the country’s capacity to investigate and solve crimes independently.
The Antigua and Barbuda Forensic Services (ABFS) is expected to be fully operational by the second half of 2026 and will offer a range of scientific disciplines to support criminal investigations. The facility is poised to serve not only the local justice system but also potentially become a regional hub for forensic science in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
According to Director of Forensics, Michael Morrell, the lab will provide a broad suite of forensic services, including forensic chemistry, toxicology, biology, ballistics, computer forensics, trace evidence examination, and document analysis.
“Forensic science is very, very broad,” Morrell explained. “We have identified certain disciplines that we will look to put into place. Those are forensic chemistry, forensic toxicology, forensic biology and trace evidence examination, forensic ballistics, computer forensics, document analysis, etc.”
The ABFS is already attracting local interest, with interns currently gaining experience at the facility ahead of its formal launch. Morrell said the initiative is expected to create employment and spark interest in forensic careers among young people.
“There are great opportunities,” he said. “We will need forensic chemists, forensic biologists, trace evidence examiners, forensic photographers—the works.”
Beyond training and job creation, the director emphasized the broader impact on law enforcement and justice.
“It will help us a lot in the detection of crime and in putting those offenders who are guilty behind bars,” he noted. “But forensic science is also used to exonerate those who might be innocently arrested. So it works both ways.”
While key components such as legislation and staff training remain in progress, the government considers the project a step in the right direction toward modernizing the justice system and strengthening national security.
Once complete, the ABFS is expected to reduce reliance on external forensic laboratories, allowing for faster turnaround times and more efficient criminal investigations.
