The Paria Tragedy: Tribute to Divers

The tragic loss of Fyzal Kurban, Kazim Ali Jr, Rishi Nagassar, and Yusuf Henry still weighs heavily on the hearts and minds of their loved ones and the community. It has been a year since the incident occurred, yet the pain, confusion, and lack of closure still linger due to the failure of institutions to bring justice to the families.

Recently, a memorial service was held by the Member of Parliament for Couva South Mr. Rudranath Indarsingh and the families of the divers, accompanied by the sole survivor of the tragedy, Christopher Boodram. Members of Parliament for Point-A-Pierre- Mr. David Lee, and Princess Town- Barry Padarath were also in attendance along with local government officials.

A memorial service was held by the MP Rudranath Indarsingh and the families of the divers, accompanied by the sole survivor of the tragedy, Christopher Boodram

The service included a prayer led by respected members of the Islamic, Christian, and Hindu faith. During this service, still grieving loved ones were able to make statements about their thoughts on the tragedy and the procedures following it.

The families of the divers remain disappointed at the response to the tragedy.

The families of the divers remain disappointed at the response to the tragedy. The Commission of Enquiry failed to provide closure to the families or the community, leaving them confused and without answers. According to Mr. Boodram, he still feels guilt and a sense of abandonment for not being able to fulfill his promise to his friends.

The Commission of Enquiry failed to provide closure to the families or the community, leaving them confused and without answers.

“Every day I get up with guilt. Every night I close my eyes, this accident plays over and over. “
Christopher Boodram

The mothers of the divers shared riveting stories that highlighted the failure of institutions to act promptly in rescuing their sons. They expressed their disappointment at the reluctance to rescue their loved ones, while they were quick to recover their bodies. This further emphasises the pain and frustration experienced by the families due to the lack of justice and closure.

“Paria, this is some of the hurt and pain you put us through.”
Vanessa Kussie

Another heart-wrenching aspect of the tragedy is the financial burden it has placed on the families left behind. One mother shared that the loss of her husband has made it difficult to provide basic necessities for her family, including sending her children to school and maintaining their household.

“That day when parents lost children, wives lost husbands and children lost fathers, breadwinners, (the) only source of support in some case.”
Nicole Greenidge

Following the service, Christopher Boodram and the families of the deceased divers planted five Poi Trees outside the Office of the Member of Parliament for Couva South to honor their memory. This emotional ritual served as a reminder that the tragic incident, which occurred a year ago, still feels fresh and painful to those left behind.

Following the service, Christopher Boodram and the families of the deceased divers planted five Poi Trees outside the Office of the MP for Couva South

A plaque bearing the names of the deceased was unveiled in their honor. This will serve as a permanent reminder of the tragic events that occurred and will allow future generations to remember and honor the innocent lives lost on that fateful day. It’s important to never forget the senseless loss of life and to ensure that their memory lives on for years to come as well as acknowledge the heroes that they were.

A plaque bearing the names of the deceased was unveiled in their honor

In light of this, Member of Parliament Rudranath Indarsingh has once again called on the government to bring the Commission of Enquiry to Parliament. He expressed his concern that past investigations have been sanitized or forgotten, and emphasised the importance of ensuring justice is served. Indarsingh went one step further and urged the Prime Minister to submit the report to the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure proper analysis and accountability.

Indarsingh has once again called on the government to bring the Commission of Enquiry to Parliament

It is clear that the families of Fyzal Kurban, Kazim Ali Jr, Rishi Nagassar, and Yusuf Henry are still struggling with the loss of their loved ones and the lack of closure and justice. It is time for the government to take action and bring accountability to this tragedy, and to support the families who are struggling with the aftermath.