By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE deadline for the submission of the final report by the Commission of Enquiry (CoE) into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of four underwater divers in February, 2021 could be extended to August.
The CoE issued a press release on Friday stating that by letter dated May 4, 2023, it has sought an extension of time to August 31, 2023 for the submission of the final report.
A March 17, 2023 Order was varied by an Order dated May 1, 2023.
“The effect of this variation means that “Salmon” letters will now be provided by May 16, 2023 and those adversely affected will be given an opportunity to respond in writing by June 9 2023, and orally on June 21 and 22, 2023,” the release stated.
It added, “Regrettably, our ambition to have the report completed by the end of May 2023 cannot be realised. In the circumstances the Commission, by virtue of letter dated 4th May 2023 has respectfully sought an extension of time to 31st August 2023 for the submission of the final report to Her Excellency Christine Kangaloo, ORTT, the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.”
The CoE had previously informed the media that the deadline for the issuance of ‘salmon letters’ to the relevant personnel would be made on or before May 16.
Recipients who wished to make representations are required to submit their written representations on or before June 9.
In-camera hearings will also be facilitated for those who wish to have one but they must first produce a written submission. The in-camera hearings will be facilitated on June 21 and June 22 at a venue to be advised.
On January 13, 2023, the CoE concluded all of its evidential hearings.
Chaired by Jerome Lynch, KC with commissioner Gregory Wilson and supported by legal team headed by Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, the CoE sought to investigate the circumstances that claimed the lives of Fyzal Kurban, Rishi Nagassar, Kazim Ali Jr and Yusuf Henry on February 25, 2022 at Paria Fuel Trading Facilities near Pointe-a-Pierre.
Lynch had said on numerous occasions that once the report was submitted, Government should be encouraged to disclose its findings at the soonest possible time.
