The first procedural hearing for the commission of enquiry into the Paria diving tragedy began today, a little over six months after four professional divers tragically died while performing maintenance on a pipeline at Paria Fuel Trading Company Limited’s Pointe-a-Pierre facilities.
However, the commission, chaired by Queen’s Counsel Jerome Lynch, is not expected to plunge straight into the evidence of witnesses, as it is first expected to address procedural issues during hearings scheduled for today and tomorrow.
Speaking at the hearing today Lynch indicated the dates for the live hearings.
The Commission has the power to summon witnesses to give evidence.
Witnesses must comply or face a $2,000 fine, according to the Commission of Enquiry Act.
Mr Lynch said that they proposed to conduct giving of evidence in so far as they are able, in four separate parts.
COMMENTS