By Kisean Joseph
The Department of Analytical Services (DAS) is set to expand its testing capabilities in 2025, building on a year of achievements in environmental monitoring and public health protection across the Caribbean region.
The department, which serves as Antigua and Barbuda’s central testing laboratory, has successfully established itself as a hub for regional mercury monitoring. According to Director Dr Linroy Christian, this expansion represents a major step forward in environmental surveillance.
“We were successful in forming the Caribbean Region Mercury Monitoring Network. That network’s hub is Antigua and Barbuda,” Dr Christian said. “We have St Kitts &Nevis, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Guyana and Belize. That network of air samplers will allow us to track mercury levels in the air over time”.
The scope of the DAS extends beyond environmental monitoring. Recent scientific publications include findings about mercury levels in Caribbean fish species, providing crucial data for public health decisions. “Mahi-mahi was quite good, but barracuda was quite terrible,” Dr Christian explained, highlighting the practical implications of their research for consumers.
Looking ahead, the department plans to enhance its services across several areas. New toxicological services, expanded soil testing for farmers, and strengthened food safety surveillance are among the priorities. These expansions aim to address growing concerns about imported foods and environmental threats.
The department’s capabilities have been bolstered by investments in equipment as well as human resources. “The human resources that we have, I think is among the best in the region,” Dr Christian notes. “We have graduates with degrees coming out every year. We have persons within my organization – they are qualified. We’ve been getting training and it’s time to really put that to greater use.”
International partnerships have played a crucial role in the department’s development. Through the International Atomic Energy Agency, DAS has acquired new equipment for measuring heavy metals and analyzing pesticides. This enhanced capability positions them to better serve both public and private sector needs.
Dr Christian emphasizes the importance of translating scientific findings into actionable policies. “We have to ensure that we are putting out information that our leaders can use to make proper decisions, pass the requisite laws, and have the right policies in place to protect people,” he said. “We collect a lot of data. We have to be good at translating that into action.”
Currently, the services offered by DAS are diverse. They range from water quality testing for the hotel sector to environmental monitoring, which includes the yachting sector, a demonstration of their adaptability to the nation’s evolving economic needs.
As they move into 2025, the department aims to strengthen its public education initiatives. “For the general public, I’ve always said the people are their own best advocates,” Dr Christian said. “We can certainly bolster that and provide information to inform persons of what is out there, because in a lot of instances, you may not know.”