Minister of Energy and the Environment Dr. Marcus Bethel issued a cease and desist order last Wednesday banning Bahama Rock from all blasting until a full investigation could be carried out, and the effects of such blasting determined.
During a town meeting in Eight Mile Rock on Monday, Dr. Bethel informed residents, many of whom are also employees of the company, what the government now intends to do since issuing the order.
“Once the order had been adhered to, we [then] set up for an investigation to ensue,” Dr. Bethel said.
Michael Wallace, chief public analyst with the environmental monitoring and risk assessment department, is spearheading the investigation.
Dr. Bethel noted that Mr. Wallace has monitored the situation and has been aware of some of the concerns of the residents, which he has documented.
While the minister could not say when the investigation would be completed, he explained that its purpose is to gather the facts surrounding the work performed by the company relating to the blasts, and the impact on the community.
“[This is to ensure] that the central government has a thorough understanding of what has transpired, and [to determine] where we are,” he said.
Dr. Bethel indicated that he met with Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) officials and the senior officials at Bahama Rock, a licensee of the Port, to get a clearer understanding of the situation.
“There is a lot of technical information that has to be gathered and put together, including geo-technical surveys,” he said.
“That has to be looked at in the context also of the power of the discharge that emanates from the blasts. All of this will require proper collection, proper collation, and proper understanding, which will involve a lot of technical work.”
Dr. Bethel said although he could not give a timeline, the investigation is set up so that it moves as expeditiously as possible because the government is aware that residents, Bahama Rock, and GBPA want answers.
He further noted that the investigative report would also document any complaints of damage to residentsﾒ homes, including an inventory of what has purportedly been affected by the blasts.
Dr. Bethel was quick to add, however, that determining that the blasts were the cause of their damage was an issue outside of the investigation.
“We will be taking an inventory of all complaints by the residents as [they] relate to presumed material damage so that we have a full and complete report from the residents,” he said.
“But it is not through my ministry but through civil action in the courts [that persons would seek compensatory damages]. Remember when you go to court you have to show and document that the blasting caused it.”
Dr. Bethel noted that no blasting would be allowed until a full report has been compiled.
There are differing views in Eight Mile Rock over whether the blasting should continue given that the company employs some residents.
Senator Caleb Outten, who was also present at the town meeting, noted the importance of the government working quickly to gather all the information, and to find a resolution for the sake of those employed by the company.
“Clearly, we have a situation that has to be dealt with as quickly as possible,” Senator Outten said.
“There are many persons here tonight who have interests at Bahama Rock, and on the other hand there are residents in here up to Pinedale who feel their homes shaking. I believe it is imperative, Dr. Bethel, that the government very aggressively conclude this investigation.”
He added, “I think the key in all of this is to balance the situation out where Bahama Rock at the end of the day will not have to lay anyone off.”
Senator Outten also suggested the government further investigate the option that was proposed by the Manager of Bahama Rock Walter Reed to minimize the impact of blasting by decreasing the amount of dynamite used.
“At the end of the day we have to continue to have peace in our community,” he added, “and at the end of the day we would like Bahama Rock to keep these young men employed.”
His comments were followed by a thunderous applause as many of the residents present appeared to share his sentiments.
Dr. Bethel responded by saying, “The intent is to conclude as quickly as possible for the sake of all concerned.”
Bahama Rock presently employs 120 Bahamian workers.
By: Daphne McIntosh, The Bahama Journal
