The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Pinder’s Point/Lewis Yard Pollution Committee is pleased that the government has signed a contract with a leading international health agency to undertake a year-long environmental and health assessment of their communities.

Pollution from the nearby industrial plants has been a major issue in the Pinder’s Point/Lewis Yard area for the past three decades.

On Monday, a $500,000 contract was signed by the government for a study to be conducted by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Residents have been plagued with a myriad of health-related problems, particularly in the Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard, Seco Town and the Hawksbill communities that are in close proximity to the Freeport Industrial Park.

There are several major industrial companies in the area, including BORCO, Pharmachem, the Grand Bahama Power Generation Plant and Polymers International.

Berthram Pinder, president of the PPLYPC, commended the government for commencing the long-awaited environmental study in the communities.

“The residents are tired of having to continue to suffer and endure the terrible odours, noise and other hazards of living too close to an industrial plant,” Mr Pinder said.

“We have endured these conditions for over 35 years.”

Mr Pinder said the committee looks forward to the eventual relocation of the residents from the affected areas.

“They have relocated two high schools (Grand Bahama Catholic High School and Hawksbill High School) and one primary school (Hawksbill Primary School) and more recently have moved the students of Lewis Yard School to Hunters (St Vincent de Paul School), but the residents continue to suffer.”

Residents have complained about emissions and oil spills in the area. There also have been complaints of respiratory problems, and irritation of the skin, eyes and nose. Some have claimed the areas have high rates of cancer and birth deformities.

Grand Bahama Minister Dr Michael Darville said the study will start immediately to determine how residents have been affected by the nearby industrial plants.

Officials will assess ground water, the environment and air quality.

They will also speak with residents and industrial officials.