JACK WARNER
THE TRAGIC deaths of Lisa Morris-Julian, a former mayor of Arima and, most recently, a minister in the Ministry of Education, and two of her children in a devastating fire have sent shock waves across TT. As the nation mourns this heartbreaking loss, it is imperative that a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation be conducted to determine the root causes of this tragedy and to prevent such incidents in the future.
While the decision to appoint retired chief fire officer Roosevelt Bruce to chair the investigative committee may initially seem logical, given his experience within the TT Fire Service (TTFS), it raises significant concerns about the integrity and independence of the investigation.
Both prior to Bruce's tenure at the helm of the TTFS and even after he left, there were institutional failures in the TTFS, failures that continue to persist even today. These systemic issues, which may have contributed to the delayed and inadequate response on this particular occasion when the Morris-Julian tragedy occurred, warrant an impartial examination by someone outside the TTFS.
Case for independent
OSHA professional
An investigation of this magnitude requires a chairperson who is both independent and deeply knowledgeable about occupational safety, risk management, and systemic accountability. This is why the Minister of National Security should have appointed an experienced professional from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or a similarly neutral body to lead the committee.
The reasons for such independence are clear:
Avoiding conflicts of interest: Bruce's extensive ties to the TTFS could inadvertently bias the investigation. While his understanding of the internal workings of the Fire Service might be nuanced, it also creates a conflict of interest. A comprehensive investigation requires the ability to scrutinise the TTFS without reservation or undue influence.
Addressing systemic failures: Under Bruce's tenure, systemic issues such as outdated equipment, insufficient training, and poor resource allocation also were prominent complaints. Many of these deficiencies remain unresolved today. Allowing someone who presided over such conditions to lead this investigation risks overlooking critical institutional shortcomings that must be addressed to restore public confidence.
Restoring public trust: This tragedy has shaken public faith in the TTFS and broader emergency response systems. An independent chairperson from OSHA or a similar organisation would bring credibility to the investigation, ensuring that the findings are perceived as objective and free from institutional bias.
A fresh perspective: An OSHA professional would bring an external perspective focused on systemic risk factors, compliance failures, and actionable solutions. Their expertise in analysing workplace safety, resource adequacy, and operational protocols would ensure a comprehensive review that addresses not only immediate causes but also long-term pr
