The remains of some of the victims of the fatal plane crash that occurred in North Andros on July 10th can only be identified through DNA testing. Samples have been collected and are being sent abroad for analysis.
This development has revived conversation about the construction of a laboratory locally. Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville addressed the issue while speaking with reporters on Tuesday. He said, “we have plans, particularly with the pathology department, in collaboration with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, for us to do DNA testing within the country. I know our reference lab is growing tremendously and we’re about to put the reference lab at the new location, right next to the College of The Bahamas. But in the future the Bahamian people will see a DNA lab here in the country.”
The health minister also spoke to the need for DNA for the crash victims. He said, “my understanding, the remains was, pretty much, unrecognizable. So it means now that we have to do the DNA testing. It’s a process. And the labs in the United States have to look at the remains and match before we start speaking and start putting remains to individuals it needs to be tested for confirmation.”
According to Dr. Darville the cost for the DNA testing will be covered by the government.
The remains of Giovanni McKenzie, one of the crash victims, have reportedly been officially identified by his family and funeral arrangements are underway.
