SHARLENE RAMPERSAD
Energy Minister Stuart Young has labelled statements made by Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar on the appointment of former Energy Chamber chairman Eugene Tiah to the state’s investigative committee on the Paria diving tragedy as “disgusting.”
Young’s statements came on Tuesday afternoon, on the heels of a personal statement from Tiah in which Tiah stated he would no longer participate in the committee.
Young stated he was informed by Energy Chamber that Tiah had stepped down as the Chamber’s nominee to the committee.
“Minister Young has taken careful note of the personal attacks by the Leader of the Opposition, Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar on the Energy Chamber’s nominee, as well as on international multinational energy companies, BP and Shell. These personal, unwarranted and unjustified attacks on independent persons and international independent entities is disturbing and destructive to our Country’s interests,” a release from Young’s office stated.
The Minister went on to say his calls to allow the families of the four deceased divers- Yusuf Henry, Fyzal Kurban, Kazim Ali Jr and Rishi Nagassar- to “grieve in pace” was ignored by the Opposition and its “agents.”
“Minister Young unreservedly condemns the disgusting behaviour of Mrs. Persad-Bissessar and the opposition. The Government will ensure that an independent investigation is carried out by professional and experienced experts into the circumstances surrounding the death of the four LMCS Limited divers. The Government is undeterred in ensuring that the matter is properly and thoroughly investigated,” the release stated.