Caribbean News

JAMAICA: Security Ministry to Acquire Software for DNA Database

Published

5 years ago

July 5, 2019

#Kingston, July 5, 2019 – Jamaica – The Ministry of National Security is to acquire software and associated equipment for a DNA database, at a cost of US$450,000, this financial year.

This was announced by Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, during a tour of the Institute of Forensic Science & Legal Medicine (IFSLM) in Kingston, on Wednesday, July 3.

Dr. Chang said the various upgrades, such as acquisition of the DNA database, are in keeping with the Government’s commitment to use forensic technology in its crime-fighting efforts.

“The IFSLM is currently in the process of improving its capacity and capabilities for greater efficiency and effectiveness. This modernisation will enable the IFSLM to increase its use of DNA and other biological evidence to solve crimes, by prosecuting offenders and exonerating the innocent,” he explained.

Dr. Chang noted that as of June 2019, a total of 461 DNA samples had been submitted to the Institute for forensic investigations.

“Additionally, the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) and DCS (Department of Correctional Services) detention officers submitted 476 DNA samples to populate the DNA Registry. For the first half of 2019, IFSLM conducted DNA analysis on 313 cases involving 460 exhibits and found matches in 47 per cent of the cases,” he pointed out.

Director of IFSLM, Dr. Judith Mowatt, said the database will make a profound difference in the use of DNA and other biological evidence to solve crimes.

“It will be the first time we are having a national database. In terms of technology and infrastructure, we have the latest equipment and kits. But what we don’t have is a DNA database that will create the intelligence from all of those profiles that we have generated,” she noted.

“Our DNA analysis is helping to give the police intelligence in terms of crime detection, so they will send us samples from a case that they would like us to connect to the suspect,” Dr. Mowatt explained.

Contact: Rosheika Grant

Release: JIS

Photo Caption: Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang (left), speaks at a press conference, held at the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine (IFSLM), in Kingston, on Wednesday, July 3. With the Minister is Director of IFSLM, Dr Judith Mowatt.

Contributed photo

Caribbean News

Barbados recognizes Palestine as sovereign

Published

1 day ago

April 23, 2024

Shanieka

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

Barbados has made a huge diplomatic move, recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state, as announced by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kerrie Symmonds, according to a report from CBC News Barbados on Saturday April 20. This now aligns Barbados with other UN Member states which also recognise Palestine.

Caribbean News

Haiti death toll rises

Published

1 day ago

April 23, 2024

Shanieka

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

Haiti’s death toll is now up 53 percent with more than 2,500 people killed from January through March 2024, compared to the same time last year. This was reported by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), on Friday April 19. The organization expressed that gangs have changed their tactics, now targeting public institutions and important infrastructure such as the main Airport. Most of the violence is reportedly in the Capital Port Au Prince.

Caribbean News

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS SHINES AS A PREMIER DESTINATION AT THE 2024 SEATRADE CRUISE GLOBAL CONFERENCE

Published

2 days ago

April 22, 2024

Shanieka

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) –April 11, 2024—The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, led by Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, Assistant Commissioner Alani Henneman, and Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington, traveled to Miami, Florida, to support Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and other local partners agencies for the 2024 Seatrade Cruise Global Conference.

To kick off the week-long event, the Department of Tourism sponsored the highly anticipated Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) barbecue, which was hosted by Governor Bryan.

Revered as a steady leader in the Caribbean tourism industry, the USVI delegation, which also included the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Port Authority, West Indian Company Limited, Magens Bay Authority, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Government Employee Retirement System, showcased the territory and its growing accessibility around the cruise industry to key operators and businesses.

“Cruise has been and continues to be a leading entryway for visitors into the territory, and Seatrade allows representatives from the USVI to interface with and share pertinent updates needed to continue fostering positive relationships throughout the industry,” explains Commissioner Boschulte.

Commissioner Boschulte was featured on the Caribbean Spotlight panel moderated by renowned industry leader and FCCA CEO Michelle Paige, who referenced the Commissioner being named the 2023 Caribbean Tourism Executive of the Year by Caribbean Journal and shared how exceptional the publication’s acknowledgment of his accolades are. Paige referenced Caribbean Journal’s spotlight paragraph reading, “No Caribbean destination has seen more growth in the last three years than the U.S. Virgin Islands, which kicked off a full-fledged tourism renaissance just after the onset of the pandemic and hasn’t looked back. And so much of that growth can be directly tied to the expert stewardship of Boschulte, who helped craft an innovative, flexible response to the challenges of the pandemic and has continued to drive the USVI’s performance with a data-driven, creative approach to modern tourism.”

Commissioner Boschulte and Deputy Commissioner Farrington joined Governor Bryan for meetings with leading cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Corporation & plc, amongst others, to discuss continued partnerships, expansion opportunities, and industry updates.

As the global cruise industry continues to restabilize following challenges incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Thomas and St. Croix experienced a 13% growth in 2023 over 2019, with West Indian Company Dock, Crown Bay Dock, and E. Abramson Marine Facility welcoming more than 1,600,000 passengers from 495 total calls for the year. With a 58% year-over-year passenger increase from 2022 to 2023, the USVI continues to grow and is projected to experience another 5% increase in cruise passenger arrivals in 2024.

Commissioner Boschulte also highlighted the remarkable success of the USVI and Caribbean region, stating, “I am proud to see the Caribbean’s appeal continue to captivate travelers. Our collaborative efforts with partners like FCCA and the Caribbean Tourism Organization underscore the unity of our region, ensuring unforgettable experiences for visitors while highlighting the unique strengths of the U.S. Virgin Islands. With a safe, welcoming destination and a shared commitment to tourism, we embrace our role as an integral part of the Caribbean community.”

For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/.