PM back home, commends CAL for swift response to Guyana crash

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar vists the site of the crash of a CAL plane along with her Guyanese counterpart Sam Hinds, T&T Transport Minister Devant Maharaj and other officials.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and a ministerial team returned home from Guyana on Sunday after visiting passenger who were on a Caribbean Airlines aircraft, which crashed in Guyana Saturday morning.

Speaking with reporters at Piarco International Airport, she said she met the injured passengers, who appeared to be traumatised by the ordeal.

"They appeared to be in discomfort. I know the Airline has brought persons there to speak with them and give them comfort counseling but they are indeed, in my respectful view from interacting with them, they were traumatised. 

"I think they were very happy to see us. They did express gratitude that we came in. I saw a lift when we walked in and spoke to them and prayed with them," she said.

The Prime Minister and her team also visited the crash site.

She expressed confidence in the national carrier, noting that she and her team flew home on a CAL plane. She also stated that the CAL Board will be looking into any adverse effects which the incident would have on its operations.

Commenting on the flight home, she said the plane was full and no one appeared duly concerned. She also commended CAL for the swift response to the crash in Guyana.

She added, "My expression is that there is always room for improvement but I get the impression that the authorities put their best foot forward and tried in every way to deal with this situation."

The Prime Minister said the investigation will take some time and advised everyone to wait for the outcome before drawing conclusions.