Attorney Prakash Ramadhar has pushed back on claims made by Paria Fuel Trading Company Ltd regarding compensation for the families of four divers who tragically lost their lives at the Pointe-a-Pierre facility two years ago. Rejecting the notion that the families’ legal representatives are the ones hindering the compensation process, Ramadhar stood firm in his demand for an ex-gratia payment of $5 million for each family.
Expressing his readiness to pursue legal action against Paria and Land and Marine and Construction Services (LMCS) before the new law term commences in September, Ramadhar emphasized his commitment to ensuring his clients receive proper compensation, even if it means taking the matter to the High Court, Court of Appeal, and potentially the Privy Council.
Following the tragic incident on February 25, 2022, where divers were sucked into an underwater pipeline while conducting maintenance work for Paria, Ramadhar, representing the Kurban family and Aliah, daughter of one of the deceased divers, challenged Paria’s claims alongside LMCS and Vanessa Kussie, widow of a diver.
Despite Paria’s assertion that compensation efforts were being impeded by legal representatives and LMCS, Ramadhar, during a news conference on July 30, strongly disagreed. He stressed the significance of the Paria tragedy and refuted Paria’s denial of liability and responsibility when initially contacted by the families’ legal team.
Ramadhar highlighted the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the incident, including recommendations for charges of corporate manslaughter and other offenses, underscoring the need for proper compensation for the affected families.
Similarly, LMCS’s attorney, Dinesh Rambally, echoed the sentiment that Paria’s statement regarding compensation was misleading and evasive of their legal accountability. Rambally emphasized the importance of prompt and fair resolution for all parties involved, advocating for interim payments to facilitate necessary support for the affected families.
Meanwhile, Vanessa Kussie, expressing disappointment in Paria’s lack of direct communication with the families affected by the tragedy, underscored the importance of providing support to cope with the loss of their loved ones.
As the legal battle for compensation continues, the families of the deceased divers remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice and proper reparation for the irreplaceable loss they have endured.
