Mr Romauld Ferreira, the lawyer representing Venice Bay Holdings Ltd, said that the development company is seeking special damages in the amount of $66,200 and that they have therefore launched an injunction to put a halt to Bacardi’s operations, which are presently affecting the environment and homeowners in the area.
According the Amended Statement of Claim between Roosevelt and Carolyn Whymms, Venice Bay Holdings Ltd and Bacardi and Company Ltd, since 1999 on a regular, consistent and ongoing basis, Bacardi has reportedly produced disturbing levels of ambient noise and has wrongfully caused or permitted noxious, toxic and/or offensive particulates, effluent gas, flue gas fumes, vapours and/or smoke to be discharged into the atmosphere from their premises. The Claim further states that these gases have caused an annoyance and discomfort and the plaintiffs have suffered from shortness of breath, headaches, sore throats, runny noses, nausea, oral inflammation, stomach aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, watery eyes, skin inflammation, haemorrhaging, fatigue sensation in the hands and pain and suffering. Mr Ferreira said his client is also bringing forth an action on the basis of environmental damage. He noted that as the competition for resources and land increases, the awareness of damage to the land would also increase.
However, Patricia Neal the spokesperson for Bacardi told The Guardian on Thursday that Bacardi is proud to conduct its operations in The Bahamas, and that they will vigorously defend its name and image. She also denied that Bacardi’s operations have caused any harm as claimed by the allegations made in the Amended Statement of Claim. Ms. Neal said Bacardi will vigorously defend any legal action against them as well as any attempt by Venice Bay to tarnish its well-earned reputation and standing within the community.
“Bacardi and Company has been operating a production facility in The Bahamas for more than 40 years and has been acknowledged by the Bahamian government to be an exemplary corporate citizen.”
Ms Neal also refuted published reports that Bacardi was being sued for $75 million. She explained that the only complaint that Bacardi has viewed, alleges damages in the amount of $66,000. “We have never seen this alleged $75 million lawsuit,” she stated.
The Nassau Guardian
