Jamaica's murder rate tumbles but decrepit morgues stymie convictions

From Global development | The Guardian Sat Jun 28 2014, 08:00:00

Caribbean island has improved forensic investigations but failed to build modern public morgue for victims of violent deaths

The suspected victims of violent deaths are wrapped in plastic bags or covered loosely in stained sheets. There is no air conditioning and the room quickly becomes sweltering as the tropical sun beats down on the metal roof. A fly buzzes around amid the overwhelming stench of decaying corpses.

A forensic pathologist and his sweating assistants can merely shrug at such challenging conditions in the hospital in gritty Spanish Town on the edge of Kingston, the Jamaican capital. "What can I say? The lack of resources is definitely a challenge," says Dr SN Prasad Kadiyala as he waits for the arrival of the police so he can begin the autopsies.

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