Fiery start for Paria enquiry

GIVEN the dismal history of commissions of enquiry in this country not resulting in meaningful outcomes, the odds would appear to be against those hoping for answers – and a semblance of justice – coming out of the Paria enquiry.

But on Wednesday the country was given a glimmer of hope.

Enquiry chairman Jerome Lynch, QC, set the right tone at the very start of the proceedings by calling for the observance of a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for the men who died on February 25 at Pointe-a-Pierre.

“Such an incident in a modern country used to dealing with the extraction of oil and gas and the maintenance of machinery necessary to effect such extraction is both surprising and tragic in the 21st century,” he noted.

Of the victims, he said, “We are acutely aware that these men were fathers and sons, brothers and cousins, friends and colleagues, breadwinners and confidants who provided joy and succour to many.

“This inquiry cannot bring them back. But it can and it will provide answers.”

But not only did Mr Lynch provide a glimmer of hope, he set off some fireworks.

Mincing no words, he noted it had been a full 194 days since the incident occurred, apologised to the victim’s families and expressed frustration at the failure of authorities to go the extra mile to ensure the smooth functioning of the commission.

He said had it not been for interventions by Udecott chairman Noel Garcia and Minister of Energy Stuart Young, basic arrangements would not have been completed. He disclosed Mr Young had “plundered” the Office of the Prime Minister for chairs, desks and other furniture for the enquiry to use.

“We have lost four months,” Mr Lynch said. “I regret to say that delay has been compounded...I await, with some considerable concern, pens to write with, paper to write on, printers to print with, scanners to scan with, the internet to connect to.”

Addressing authorities, he said, “Please help us do our job.”

Though we have a culture of enquiries, these remarks suggest we are not getting any better at convening them. Mr Lynch did not name and shame those responsible, but it is to be hoped that their inertia or incompetence will now have consequences.

Other challenges loom.

In a familiar dance, on Wednesday lawyers asked for further extensions.

It also emerged that key aspects of the evidence were removed from their original location at Berth No 6 and now lay 60 feet underwater.

And yet the chairman assured: “Whatever obstacles are placed in our way, we will circumvent them, we will go around them.”

He promised evidence will be taken in public, evening sittings will be convened if necessary and a report drafted before Easter 2023.

And he vowed, against the odds, that under his watch lessons will indeed be learned.

“I will see you in November,” Mr Lynch assured.