By Prior Beharry
FOUR widows and the lone survivor of the Paria pipeline tragedy are angry that the commission of enquiry has asked for a further extension to deliver its report
A joint statement on Wednesday stated, “Since February 25 th 2022, our families and lives have never been the same. It has been five hundred and fifty (550) days since that horrid day which led to one of the darkest moments in our lives.”
It was sent by Couva South MP’s Office and was signed by Nicole Greenidge, mother of Yussuf Henry; Vanessa Kussie, widow of Rishi Nagassar; Christopher Boodram, lone survivor; and Celisha Kurban, widow of Fyzal Kurban.
The Commission was originally due to submit its final report to the President in May. But in a statement on May 5 it sought an extension until August 31.
In a release on Monday, the told President Christine Kangaloo that it was unable to meet its deadline and asked for an extension until November 30.
The joint release stated, “That darkness still exists, even after more than a year. Our families struggle to deal with the murder of our loved ones, the permanent disruption of our livelihoods, the flashbacks, sleepless nights and haunting images of what happened – or may have happened – in that pipeline as a result of the sick, unprofessional and devious actions of the management of Paria Fuel Trading Company Limited.
“It is, therefore, an angering, irksome, unwelcome, insulting and unjust development for the Commission of Enquiry to request a further extension for the submission of the report.”
It stated, “While we understand the need for proper approaches and outcomes to be followed, we also have a burning entitlement to justice, accountability, and consequences, all of which we have been waiting on for 550 days.
“While our lives have been devastated beyond words, those at Paria who are responsible for the murder of our loved ones remain free, pampered, and protected by a system slow in delivering justice.
“They live with their families, friends and colleagues, while our lives have been destroyed and our families, friends and loved ones in that pipeline were killed and taken from us.
“Not a soul from Paria or the State appears concerned about our homes, children’s upbringing, mental wellbeing, or ensuring justice.”
The release stated, “The Commissioners, staff and other involved agencies would have been well aware of their initial deadline of August 31, and should have been working in such fashion to ensure the meeting of this deadline.
“The undertaking of responsibilities associated with this Commission report cannot be seen as simply a job, but rather viewed as a critical component in the delivery of justice.
“We therefore condemn this or any delay to the delivery of this report, and vow to remain vigilant in the interest of our children, families, and the memories of Fyzal Kurban, Rishi Nagassar, Kazim Ali Jr and Yussuf Henry, and the trauma that now weighs heavy in the spirit of Christopher Boodram.”
