By Sue-Ann Wayow
AFTER pressure from the Opposition about his appointment to the investigating committee charged with determining what led to the tragic deaths of four underwater divers, Eugene Tiah has withdrawn.
In a personal statement, Tiah said, “I was asked by the Energy Chamber to be their representative on the Investigation Committee to commit 45 days gratis and to bring to bear my 40 years of technical and managerial experience in the energy industry with particular interest in safety and process safety leadership, which I agreed to do.
“I believe that no time should be lost in ascertaining the facts that led to this tragedy. Recommendations arising from the Incident Investigation need to be swiftly implemented and lessons learned shared throughout the industry. It appears that the good of country is subservient to the shenanigans of a few. I have thus taken the decision to withdraw from the Investigating Committee.”
Tiah, a former chairman of the Energy Chamber wished the remaining members speed in conducting their investigations.
He also extended condolences to the family members of Kazim Ali Jr, Fyzul Kurban, Yusuf Henry and Rishi Nagassar who died.
Up to Monday night, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar once again called for Tiah to be removed from the committee that was named by Energy Minister Stuart Young to independently investigate the deaths.
Persad-Bissessar claimed clear bias with his appointment and even questioned the political allegiance of the entire Energy Chamber who had recommended Tiah to the panel.
