Police have requested blood samples from two sisters of Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) director Azad Niamat after they failed to positively identify on Monday a body found in a forested area which was believed to be his. After spending most of the day at the Forensic Science Centre in St James yesterday, the women, along with Niamat’s nephew and son, were unable to convince officials at the centre that the remains found were Niamat’s.
On Monday a body was found off the Brazil Arena Road, close to where Niamat’s Toyota Prado was found the day he went missing 11 days ago. According to reports, Sgt Jitendra Tooleram and other officers went to Brazil Arena Road after a villager contacted them saying he found a body in the forested area. The man told police he was walking along the roadway when he smelt a foul stench and knowing there was a search in the area for Niamat he called the police.
When questioned by the media at the centre yesterday, one of Niamat’s sisters said they did not want to talk about the matter. The woman added that it had been a “really hard time” for the family since January 29. “We just want to identify the body and move on. Yes, finding out what happened brings closure but it is still difficult,” she said. While the identity of the body remains in limbo, the Ministry of Communications has expressed condolences to Niamat’s family.
The media release which quotes Trade, Industry, Investment and Communication Minister Vasant Bharath said, “The Government is today sending condolences to the family and relatives of Chaguanas businessman and Caribbean Airlines Director, Azad ‘Wes’ Niamat. Mr Niamat was a very well known and highly regarded businessman in Chaguanas and served well as a director of Caribbean Airlines.
His contribution made a positive difference and certainly, as a gentleman and friend, we will grieve his loss for quite some time. We pray that his family may find solace in God and that his soul will rest in peace,” the statement said.