Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Stuart Young says he played no role in the selection of energy professional Eugene Tiah to the five-man panel selected to investigate the tragic death of four divers who were performing works at Paria Fuel Trading Company Limited on February, 25th.
In a post to his Facebook page, Minister Young says it is most unfortunate that Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has sought to attack an innocent, independent and professional individual, who volunteered to give public service.
Minister Young says the Energy Chamber was requested to nominate an appropriate individual to serve on the panel of independent investigators. He says the Chamber nominated Mr Eugene Tiah and this nomination was accepted by the Cabinet. He says there was no input by him, or the Government, whatsoever, into the Chamber’s choice of nominee.
The Energy Minister says Mr Tiah is a professional who is well respected in the Energy and Business sector as being someone with experience, expertise and integrity.
On Saturday, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar said the appointment of Eugene Tiah to the Paria investigation committee opens the door to accusations of Government tampering, manipulation and cover-up in the investigation.