A new mortuary facility has opened at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, providing Anguilla’s first secure, controlled environment for post-mortem and forensic examinations.
The opening ceremony took place on 2 April, and featured speeches from government officials and healthcare representatives followed by a ribbon-cutting and a tour of the building.
Acting health commissioner Malcolm Webster said the initiative was a “long time coming” and described it as a “significant milestone” which represents progress for Anguilla.
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He said a lot of work had gone in to making the space had been made “fit for purpose” over the past two years, with major investment put into equipment, human capital and training.
Forensic pathologist Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul described the new facility as a “temple of truth” which will gather information to allow courtrooms to understand how someone has died.
“When a person is dead, when you go to him and respectfully stand in front of him – he or she, they only tell you the truth. They never lie,” he said.
The mortuary is “long required” he said, adding that it will allow for good forensic investigation, courtroom clarity and closure for relatives of the deceased.
Commissioner of Police Robert Clark spoke of the dedicated vehicle that has been commissioned specifically to support mortuary services.
“I think it absolutely provides the dignity to those who have passed. It gives the security of forensics that we require,” he said.
He said the opening of the mortuary is an important moment for the Royal Anguilla Police Force in how it harvests evidence and helps families who have lost loved ones because of a crime.
Health minister Cardigan Connor said that over the years, the demand on Anguilla’s systems, particularly in forensic investigation, infection prevention and post mortem care, have continued to evolve.
“It is the responsibility of government to ensure that our infrastructure standards and systems keep pace with these changing needs,” he said.
Connor said a review of the coronial system highlighted the need for a modern government mortuary with adequate storage capacity, appropriate working conditions, standardised protocols and trained personnel.
The new facility meets those needs, he said, adding that it features robust infection prevention and control systems, including negative pressure ventilation
“Beyond the systems and structures, it reminds us of something more important – that behind every case is a family seeking answers, closure and dignity,” he said.
“It also strengthens our ability to fulfil our legal responsibilities ensuring that deaths, particularly those that are sudden or unexplained, are properly investigated – because understanding death is also essential to protecting life.”
Governor Julia Crouch said that she has had conversations over the last couple of years with families who have lost loved ones through tragic and violent situations.
“The steps that happen after that event influence whether that family is further traumatised or whether they start to gain answers, they feel cared for and they can begin that process of healing,” she said.
She said the mortuary shows respect for both the dead and the living and is degined to ensure that families are treated with compassion.
The governor concluded by saying she looked forward to new legislation being brought forward by the Ministry of Health in the coming months.
Thanks were given across the board including to local undertakers with private morgues, who have assisted and provided guidance in the operation of the hospital’s mortuary services.
Watch the opening ceremony in full here.
