Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds, has commissioned a three-member team to investigate the circumstances around the fatal fire at Farfan Street, Arima on December 16th, 2024.
A former Chief Fire Officer, a retired Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Specialist, and a lawyer from the Office of the Attorney General have been appointed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire which tragically resulted in the deaths of Minister Lisa Morris-Julian and two of her children.
The appointees were named by Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds at a Media Conference on Friday.
“We formally announce the existence of this Committee and it is to be led, chaired by Mr. Roosevelt Bruce, a former Chief Fire Officer, who was enlisted in the Fire Service on the first of January in 1990.”
The other members of the Committee are HSSE Consultant Curt Cadet, and lawyer from the Office of the Attorney General, Ashtee Mahabir.
“It is to make such findings, observations and recommendations arising out of its deliberations that may be deemed appropriate regarding the following objectives: to inquire into the precise facts and circumstances surrounding the response of the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service to the fire that occurred at #8 Farfan Street, Arima.”
Minister Hinds said the Committee would look at log books to learn exactly what time the fire was reported and the time the officers arrived at the incident.
“Inquire specifically into the operations of the Arima Fire Station and the Tunapuna Fire Station on the said 16th of December 2024, including an assessment of the complement of fire officers at these stations with the availability of fire fighting equipment and resources such as water, vehicles, and, or course, personnel.”
Minister Hinds said the Committee was given two weeks to report on the matter.