Forensic pathologist Dr John Obafunwa left the Island early because he did not accept a new contract, according to Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB).

Dr. Obafunwa - a Nigerian - quit Bermuda in July, two months before his three year contract was due to end.

He was used by Police to collect and present evidence in important trials, and his departure means detectives will have to rely once more on Dr. Valerie Rao of Dade County, Miami, for forensic evidence in big cases.

BHB chief of staff Dr. June Hill told The Royal Gazette Dr. Obafunwa left because he did not agree to a new contract offered to him, and because he also wanted to pursue law studies.

"We were negotiating with him in good faith and offered him a new contract which he declined," said Dr Hill. "He told us he wanted to go to pursue legal studies. He went away on vacation and when he came from vacation he declined to sign the new contract."

Dr. Hill said said having a forensic pathologist was not essential for the hospital because the everyday functions could be carried out by pathologists who had no forensic expertise.

"The Police have connections with forensic pathologists overseas and will use Dr. Rao or whomever else," said Dr Hill.

"A forensic pathologist is not an essential part of a hospital pathology department. Many pathologists don't have this credential but are excellent pathologists.

"Mainly hospitals use pathologists to perform autopsies and diagnose patients who have problems. The forensic aspect as an add-on. So for a hospital it is not a great advantage to have a forensic pathologist on-board."