Today (Wednesday 27th March, 2024), Prime Minister Dr the Hon. Keith Rowley met with the families of the divers involved in the tragic incident which occurred in February 2022 at a facility owned by Paria Fuel Trading Company Limited (Paria). The meeting was held at Whitehall.

Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Stuart Young and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Senator the Hon. Reginald Armour S.C. also accompanied the Prime Minister to the meeting.

1.      The Prime Minister again expressed sincere sympathy on behalf of himself and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for the unimaginable loss being experienced by each family.

2.      The Prime Minister advised that it was not his wish, or that of his government, that the anguish being experienced by the families should be enhanced and/or prolonged by any protracted dispute over liability and compensation. Accordingly, insofar as he is permitted to, as Prime Minister, he has requested that the Board of Paria do all that it can do to address these issues as quickly, and as reasonably as possible.

3.      The Prime Minister informed the families that Paria is properly insured for incidents such as that which occurred on February 25th 2022, and that despite the best of intentions, Paria, like any other insured, is required to take the advice and guidance of its insurers, in order to benefit from the coverage.

4.      The shareholders of Paria, who are ultimately the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, would of course want this matter to be resolved quickly, but not in a manner that would be reckless, and affect insurance coverage specifically in place for this purpose. So, even if Paria were inclined to do so, it is simply not possible for a Board, to wholly ignore the fact that insurance coverage is in place, and that another party is involved, namely the contractor LMCS, and nevertheless proceed to settle the matter.

5.      The Prime Minister has been advised that correspondence has been exchanged between attorneys for two of the families and Paria/insurers since February 2023 and correspondence was received last month from attorneys for one other family. The Prime Minister has been further advised that no figures have as yet been exchanged between the parties, and that Paria/Insurers have recently requested information from the initial two families which touch and concern details surrounding employment by LMCS and earnings. This information is crucial in arriving at a proposed figure for any without prejudice discussions with respect to settlement. That information is not yet forthcoming.

6.      The Prime Minister made it clear that Paria has advice from its lawyers/insurers on the issue of liability. Notwithstanding that advice, Paria and its insurers are prepared to work closely with the contractor/employer LMCS in arriving at a joint proposal with respect to a “without prejudice” settlement of this matter.

7.      Accordingly, the outcome of this matter insofar as any possible settlement is concerned is in the hands of the attorneys, insurers, and those who are to accept whatever proposal for settlement may be forthcoming as a result of discussions.

8.      The Prime Minister repeated that while he cannot interfere in this process, he has made it clear to Paria that he wants it concluded quickly and fairly. The Prime Minister urged the families to similarly advise their lawyers that every attempt should be made to conclude the matter quickly and fairly, and in particular, the families should urge LMCS to collaborate with Paria to arrive at a joint without prejudice proposal that is reasonable.