BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - A relative of Askeo Jared Farrell-Williams - the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA) worker who died while on the job - has taken issue with the way the investigation into their relative’s death was conducted, especially with their exclusion from the process.
Farrell was working at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport on March 28 and his dead body was discovered on March 30 trapped between the outside of the elevator and the wall of the shaft.
SCASPA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jonathan Bass told SKNVibes that the incident was being investigated internally and externally. And Tourism Minister the Hon. Richard Skerritt had indicated during a press briefing following the incident that and independent North American company that specialises in “risk assessment surveys for the insurance industry” would have assisted with the investigations.
The relative - who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity - said they were not approached by the investigator.
“We are not satisfied thus far with the level of cooperation. For example, they brought in their own investigator and did not even involve us the family in the matter. We were not pleased with that because it means that the investigator did not hear our side. So, whatever the police may have said to the investigator, that is the story that he would have gone back with.
“We believe Askeo’s death was as a result of negligence on the part of the Port Authority.”
The relative expressed their view that full compensation should be offered and given to Farrell’s mother, especially since “we believe Askeo’s death was as a result of negligence on the part of the Port Authority”.
“We believe that his mother should be fully and well-compensated. It is a life that has gone and cannot be taken back! He should have been off and the Authority sent him back to work...He was there for days and no one looked for him. We are still bothered by his death...”
SKNVibes contacted SCASPA’s CEO about the matter and he informed that the investigations are completed and by this month’s end the press would be approached on the findings.
“Look, look, we are kind of coming to the end of the investigations. We will look at it and at the appropriate time we are going to make a statement again to the media and I’m certain you’ll be invited...We will do it just like how we had out press briefing.
“The investigations are more or less completed. We have submitted drafts...We’re just reviewing them with the persons and, so, before the month ends, hopefully, we should have something out to the press.”
An autopsy was performed of Farrell’s remains and, according to the results, he died from traumatic shock.
