The Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Stuart Young, confirmed that a five-member panel will be appointed to investigate the incident at Paria which left four LMCS divers dead. The members of the panel are:
- Shiv Sharma – Attorney & Chair of the Committee.
- Gregory Wilson – Professional Subsea Specialist with over 20 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry.
- A BP Representative.
- A Shell Representative.
- Eugene Tiah – oil and gas industry professional.
The Panel has been tasked to prepare a report within 45 days after their appointment, which should take place by next week. Their objectives include:
- To ascertain the scope of works by Paria for the exercise.
- To ascertain the proposed selection plan submitted by LMCS to conduct the works at the site.
- To examine policy, procedure and practices related to employees/organised labour for maintenance exercises.
- To identify the precise facts and circumstances which led up to and resulted in the loss of life.
- To examine all the decisions taken after it became clear that the five LMCS divers went missing.
- To investigate the nature, extent, application of any standing orders, policy considerations, legislation, or other instructions in dealing with the situation that gave rise to this incident.
- To identify whether Paria and LMCS employed sufficient safeguards and measures to ensure the safety of its contracted employees, property, and the prevention of the incident.
- To determine the adequacy and mechanical integrity of equipment utilised by LMCS.
- To determine the adequacy of LMCS’ plans which were utilised for the operation.
- To identify, whether by act or omission, any identified or unidentified party directly or indirectly caused loss of life.
- To examine the role played by Paria and LMCS through its respective units, individually and collectively, in dealing with this incident.
In other matters, Minister Young also said a decision was taken to appoint a Sub-Cabinet Committee to look at:
- The state of TSTT.
- Its purpose in an ever-changing world.
- Provide recommendations to the Cabinet on TSTT’s future.
Along with Minister Young, the Ministers of Planning, Finance, Public Utilities, and Digital Transportation will form part of the Sub-Committee looking into TSTT.
Acting Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Paula Gopee-Scoon, confirmed that the TT National in Ukraine and his wife are now safe in Hungary as they make their way to their final destination. She said T&T stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.