Lashley sets July opening for forensic lab in sweeping anti-crime strategy

The government is set to reopen its long-dormant national forensic laboratory in July and introduce anti-gang legislation as part of a sweeping criminal justice overhaul, Michael Lashley, the legal affairs minister has announced, as the island grapples with a sharp, deadly rise in gun violence.

Lashley has signalled a major shift in the island’s fight against gun violence, announcing a comprehensive strategy that includes “smart technology,” anti-gang legislation, and the long-awaited reopening of the national forensic laboratory.

Speaking at the official reopening of the Haynesville police outpost — an event he described as a “symbol of reassurance” for the community — Lashley addressed the recent spike in firearm-related incidents, including a high-profile shooting in Oistins that has left the public on edge.

Perhaps the most significant announcement for the judicial system was the definitive timeline for the forensic centre.

“I can announce that the forensic centre will be opened in July,” Lashley told the gathering of police top brass, residents, and other government officials. “During the Estimates, we fought hard, we met with the stakeholders, and I can say to you that in July, the forensic lab will be reopened.”

The minister emphasised that a functioning lab is a “vital component” of the criminal justice system, noting that the current reliance on overseas testing often leads to contaminated samples or cases collapsing due to missing scientific evidence.

“No longer will the cases be delayed because police officers have to send samples overseas to labs,” he asserted. “It’s an important aspect… providing scientific evidence linking the accused to the crime.”

Lashley was firm in his stance that the current surge in violent crime would not be met with silence or stagnation. While he maintained he would not “reach into the operations” of the Barbados Police Service, he outlined a policy framework focused on immediate and sustained action.

“We are about to launch a series of measures — short, medium, and long term — to address gun violence in this country,” he stated. “I believe that there will be some attention paid to the hot spots and persons of interests who believe that they can hold a country to ransom by antisocial behaviour.”

A key pillar of this plan involves a “whole-of-country approach,” including the use of advanced surveillance.

Lashley added: “There will come a time, and I believe it will soon happen, that we have to engage in the use of smart technology when it comes to policing. Smarter use of technology will result in strengthening surveillance, increased visibility, and increased monitoring of communities in Barbados where people feel threatened and where people feel unsafe.”

Drawing on his background as a defence lawyer, Lashley argued that the slow pace of the courts is a primary driver of crime. He proposed a streamlined process for simple firearm possession cases, suggesting they could be moved to trial with just four key statements: the arresting officer, a backup officer, a records clerk, and a firearm expert.

“The Prime Minister has been very clear on this: she did not see the reason why a man charged with possession of firearms should take one year or two years,” Lashley said. “Let us speed up the system. Let us work on getting the disclosure and the files ready so that a man who is charged with a firearm offense is before the court to answer the charge.”

To support this, he revealed that the government is “95 per cent there” in bringing forward new anti-gang legislation and new Criminal Procedure Rules to enforce timely trials.

Despite the focus on enforcement, the legal affairs minister stressed that the administration is not ignoring the root causes of crime. He pointed to the Haynesville community itself, and young performers like the Haynesville Drummers, as models for redirecting “at-risk” youth.

“Rehabilitation and communities working together can only help those who went afoul of the law to come back into society and make a contribution,” he said. He called for the strengthening of the National Peace Programme and the Juvenile Liaison Scheme to “divert them” into character-building activities.

Lashley also issued a stern warning to those who protect criminals, noting that the government is looking at increasing penalties for “harbouring and assisting an offender.”

The reopening of the Haynesville substation is seen as the first of many such “substations” — a term Lashley prefers over “outposts.” He noted that residents in other areas, such as Ellerton, have already requested similar facilities.

The ceremony concluded with a dedication by Reverend Lucille Baird, who echoed the minister’s call for efficiency in the courts. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” she told the audience, pledging her long-term commitment to the Haynesville area.

As the minister wrapped up his address, he offered a final plea for parental responsibility, urging families to put down their devices and rebuild the “bonding and values” that once served as the pillars of Barbadian society.

“We are interested in formulating policy,” Lashley said. “We have to make the criminal justice system right… ensuring that Barbadians are safe.”

(RR)