00:00The National Trade Union Center of Trinidad and Tobago says it stands in solidarity with every family affected by the
00:07boating tragedy of Canning's Point, Chagaramas on Sunday,
00:11as the umbrella union body is demanding a full, independent and transparent investigation free from interference, influence or favoritism.
00:21In a statement on Tuesday signed by General Secretary Michael Anneset, Natuk said that for the trade union movement, safety
00:28at sea is both a workplace and a public responsibility,
00:32and for those who earn their living on the water, it is a matter of occupational safety.
00:38Natuk referred to the Defense Ministry's statement on Sunday, which said that 31 people were involved in the collision between
00:44a blue and white pirogue and the pleasure craft Bambuleo
00:48that resulted in six people being hospitalized and five unaccounted for at the time of that update.
00:55Natuk has recognized the work of the Coast Guard, police officers and other emergency personnel and volunteers involved in the
01:02search.
01:02However, Natuk is calling on the authorities to commit every available resource to locating those still missing
01:08and to ensure that families receive practical assistance, counseling and regular updates throughout the search and investigation.
01:16Natuk says it also takes seriously what it called the public allegation, which remains unverified,
01:23that a child reportedly about 12 years old may have been operating one of the vessels.
01:28Natuk said any child involved must be treated with dignity, protected from public harassment and afforded every safeguard required by
01:36law
01:36and added that investigators must examine the responsibilities of the adults concerned.
01:42Natuk said an independent investigation must answer questions such as who was operating each vessel at the time of the
01:50collision,
01:50did anyone permit a minor to steer or control either vessel, if so, who gave permission, and who was supervising,
01:58did the operators have the training, qualifications, and legal authorization required to operate the vessels,
02:05who owned each vessel, and did the owners and operators meet all applicable registration, licensing, and safety requirements,
02:13were life jackets and other essential safety equipment available, and did those aboard use them properly,
02:19and did anyone remove potentially relevant social media material?
02:24Natuk said these are questions for competent investigators to resolve on the evidence,
02:29with due process for everyone concerned.
02:33Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
