The Tribune

By DANA SMITH dsmith@tribunemedia.net THE DNA is prepared to take "bold and decisive action" if the FNM fails to properly respond to its questions about oil drilling. The party claimed the responses issued by Environment Ministers Earl Deveaux and Phenton Neymour were "inadequate" considering the seriousness of the issue. Last Monday, the DNA claimed the Bahamas Petroleum Company has plans to begin drilling for oil off Bahamian shores this year. DNA Montagu candidate Ben Albury said good sources confirmed BPC's plans. The party said: "BPC, which was granted a new series of agreements and permits from the previous government in 2005, will begin drilling this year." When questioned about this, Mr Deveaux and Mr Neymour both denied it, emphasising the government's stance on oil drilling "hasn't changed". "The Bahamas has a moratorium in place and it will remain in place," Mr Deveaux said. "We, in the DNA, believe this response is disrespectful and inadequate given the magnitude of what is at stake," the fledgling party said. "We are prepared to hold these elected officials accountable and challenge the media not to be dismissed with answers meant to curtail any further inquiry." The DNA demanded the government fully explain its position on oil exploration in the Bahamas, and say specifically if the moratorium applies to BPC's existing permits. The party also wants to know the names of the 12 undisclosed companies that "BPC has been petitioning to drill for oil" in the Bahamas. The DNA said it understands "most of these companies are of Chinese origin." The party also asked if a deal was negotiated to allow the government to receive 12.5 per cent of the proceeds from oil drilling with the other 87.5 per cent going to the oil companies. "If true, the DNA believes this to be another sweetheart deal that the FNM has configured for a foreign company," the party said. The DNA also asked what the FNM is doing to ensure that the environment is protected in the case of an oil spill. "Reports estimate that oil reserves in the Bahamas are worth over $1 trillion. The DNA wants FNM government to know that this will not be another BTC situation. "The DNA urges the FNM government to be transparent with the Bahamian people and explain the full details of the oil deal with the Bahamas Petroleum Company and how the lives of Bahamians will be affected," the party said. "If the FNM government fails to demonstrate adequate answers to the listed questions then the DNA is prepared to take bold and decisive action. "Ben Albury, DNA Candidate for Montagu, has begun an online petition of Bahamians prepared to demonstrate their disapproval through protest. We hope to avoid this course of action." Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Environment released its own statement reiterating the government's position on oil "exploration and exploitation" within Bahamian waters. "The minister advises that, notwithstanding the pressure of commercial interests, the same rationale which led the government to impose the moratorium on oil exploration exists today," it said. Prior to "even considering" oil drilling in the Bahamas, the ministry said it would seek to have "comprehensive and robust" provisions in place. Environmental policy, safety policy, tax policy, revenue policy, training and employment policy, contingency plans and insurance requirements would all have to be in place before oil drilling can be allowed, the ministry said. "Further, consideration would not be finalised without opportunities for wide public dialogue," it said. "The moratorium, which binds all interested parties, affords government the opportunity to properly prepare for the future."