Chinese government provides TTD 100 million for Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Center (Linked to Record ID#95316)

Project narrative

In October 2018, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago claimed to have received a TTD 100 million grant provided by the Chinese Government for the construction of a new forensic sciences building. However, there was no evidence of fund commitment on China's side until January 7, 2020, when an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) was signed by the Minister of National Security and the Chinese Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago (as captured via Record ID #95316). The project is estimated to complete the beginning of 2020, but was delayed by the COVID-19 Outbreak. The project recommenced on December 19, 2022 with the signing of the exchange of notes for the China-aided Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Center project at the Ministry of National Security of Trinidad and Tobago. A year later on December 18, 2023, a signing ceremony was held between China and Trinidad and Tobago for a Memorandum of Understanding on the funding and construction of the new China-aided forensic science center. The International Economic Cooperation Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of China is responsible for the organization, implementation, supervision and management of the Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Center project, with a local contractor: Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDECOTT). The project is to be constructed in Mt. Hope to replace the current smaller building in St. James. The building is set to go up in two stages: first a new main forensic sciences building, and then an "L-shaped" DNA storage building. The new center is being constructed with the goal of alleviating personnel and infrastructure issues that have been plaguing the forensic department for some time. The project was inspired and funding requested from China by the Trinidadians after the Prime Minister visited a similarly Chinese-funded forensics center in Jamaica. The new forensic science centre will be located on Farm Road, St Joseph, in Mount Hope, and will have dedicated spaces and laboratories for biology, chemistry, toxicology, documents, ballistics, motor vehicles, pathological anatomy and other technical inspections, storage rooms, administrative office rooms, electrical and standby power rooms and other supporting facilities.