No witnesses, inquest put off again

THE long-awaited start to a second inquest about the death of 11-year-old schoolboy Akiel Chambers did not get off the ground yesterday because the 16 witnesses had not been summoned by the court.

In fact, just two witnesses turned up at the Port-of-Spain Coroner’s Court at NIPDEC House yesterday — Valerie Pascall, aunt of the dead boy, and PC Clive Alvarez, the investigating officer. The court will inquire into the circumstances surrounding the death of Chambers, whose body was found in the swimming pool of businessman Charles James at Haleland Park, Maraval, on May 24, 1998. Akiel Chambers had gone to the Maraval residence to attend a birthday party for James’ daughter Carrie, when he disappeared. On April 19, 2000, Coroner Jai Narine ruled that Akiel’s death was as a result of an accidental drowning. The following month, the then Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mark Mohammed ordered a second inquest. After three years and nine adjournments, it was back on the court list.

When the matter was called at 9.55 am at NIPDEC House yesterday, Magistrate Marcia Thompson-Murray, sitting as Coroner, apologised for the late start, saying she did not have the services of a note-taker. Attorney Kenneth O’Brien, accompanied by Ronald Simon, informed the court that he was holding for Senior Counsel Desmond Allum and looking after the interest of the Chambers’ family. The Coroner called for all the witnesses, but only two had turned up. A third person, who said he was the uncle of the dead boy, also appeared although his name was not among the list of persons. The Coroner pointed out that summonses had not been served formally on the witnesses. But O’Brien said he was very concerned that this matter had not been able to start. He said when the matter was adjourned on the last occasion — May 10, it was recommended that the inquest begin on the next occasion.