How can BP and Shell whose operations are regulated by the Minister of Energy and who depend on the Minister of Energy for approvals for drilling and licenses etc be considered to be independent of the Minister of Energy or the Govt?
The Keith Rowley-led PNM Administration is becoming the most cruel, inhumane and insensitive government that has ever occupied the corridors of power in Trinidad and Tobago.
For the past 6½ years, it seems as though the lives and well-being of citizens are not the priority of this Administration regardless of political affiliation and belief, race, creed or religious persuasion.
And the very tragic death of four divers who were stuck in a Paria Fuel Trading Company pipe is testimony to this.
But even before the remains of these four divers were recovered, it appears that, once again, the Government seems to be attempting to cover up this most unfortunate incident which is causing even more speculation that Paria had no emergency response plan in place to deal with any diving emergencies.
In an immediate response to this tragedy, the Minister of Energy Stuart Young tells the country that an independent investigation will be held to determine just what went wrong and told the country that he had already spoken to the executives of the foreign oil companies, BP and Shell that are operating in the island and has “asked both of them for their assistance and to identify personnel from BP and Shell.” to handle such an investigation.
He was also adamant that there will be no Union or family representatives on the investigation panel.
Independent panel Mr Minister… What an insult to the families of those divers and indeed the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
How can BP and Shell whose operations are regulated by the Minister of Energy and who depend on the Minister of Energy for approvals for drilling and licenses etc be considered to be independent of the Minister of Energy or the Government?
BY CAPIL BISSOON