Government will make ex-gratia payments of $1 million each to the families of the four men that died in the 2022 Paria Diving Tragedy.

Lone survivor Christopher Boodram will also receive a $1 million payment.

This announcement came today from Prime Minister Stuart Young during the post-cabinet briefing.

Mr Young said he would like the payments to be made “soon as possible”, and will be conducted by the Finance Ministry.

As for the failure thus far to issue financial compensation to those affected by the tragedy, Mr Young said this stems from disagreements over liability.

Also, while the PM insisted that the payments are not an “election gimmick”, this is being disputed by attorney-at-law, Prakash Ramadhar.

Mr Ramadhar represented relatives for two of the deceased divers during the Commission of Enquiry into the tragedy.

He said the call for compensation was made several years ago, with action finally taken on the eve of a General Election.

He adds that he will take instructions from his clients, and then see where they are.