COVID-19 pandemic TRNUC gears up to meet public health requirements |08 May 2020

The Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission (TRNUC) has reviewed its office seating arrangement and where necessary made adjustments to cover social distance requirements and it is also imposing a limit on the number of external visitors to the premises at four at any one time.

The chairperson of the TRNUC, Gabrielle McIntyre, said hand sanitisers will be made available upon entry to the Commission outside the reception area.

“The Commission has instructed staff to respect social distancing requirements, provide staff with hand sanitisers and is encouraging regular hand washing. One of the Commissioners has been assigned the responsibility of ensuring full compliance with all public health directives,” Ms McIntyre said.

She further explained that the TRNUC has cancelled hearings because the Commission cannot implement social distancing measures in the hearing room. 

“Due to the prohibition on construction works, we could not take action during the lockdown but we are now in the process of working with the building’s owner to refigure the hearing room to accommodate social distancing requirements.  We hope that this can be achieved by May 25 and that cases scheduled for that week can commence at that time.”

She added that the TRNUC is planning to sit for longer periods to accommodate the hearings that were cancelled due to the restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms McIntyre further pointed out that while the Commission is still discussing the best approach, it may sit for three weeks instead of two or another variation thereof that will increase its sitting periods to catch up on the hearings.

Marie-Anne Lepathy