The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie has asked the Grand Bahama shipping community to co-operate fully with the government in its efforts to ensure that arriving vessels are first cleared by health officials for Ebola.

His comments came after the Ministry of Health released a statement which said officials were notified of the arrival of a vessel docked at Freeport which had travelled from Africa. The ministry said that those on board were not allowed off until the necessary tests were done to ensure no one had the deadly virus.

“The vessel was evaluated by the surveillance team on the island and in the investigation it was discovered that the crew had been out to sea for more than 21 days, the established incubation period for Ebola Virus Disease,” said the statement.

“Additionally, after medical evaluation on board the ship, no persons were found to be ill, or to have any symptoms related to Ebola. It was then declared that there was no established risk to the population’s health related to Ebola or otherwise.”

Mr Christie – in Grand Bahama on Thursday at the official groundbreaking for a $3m administrative building at Statoil’s oil storage terminal in East Grand Bahama – said there is a worldwide concern over Ebola.

“As a result of this global concern and critical concern over Ebola, we have assembled a task force in New Providence which embraces all islands in the country, with specific reference to Grand Bahama because of the nature of the businesses here in Grand Bahama that involves importation of oil from countries in West Africa,” he said.

He said when ships arrive they must be cleared by the Ministry of Health before there is any contact with Bahamian officials.

“It was clear to us that the ordinary way of clearing boats with Immigration and Customs ought to be supplemented by health officials, who are sensitive, prepared, and trained on this issue of how to protect the country with respect to Ebola,” he explained.

Meanwhile the prime minister believes it is important that Statoil and other shipping companies in Grand Bahama be seen as partners with government as it implements Ebola safety provisions.

Ships from all over the world call at Statoil, the Freeport Container Port, and Freeport Harbour.

Mr Christie indicated that Statoil and companies like it should know in advance where a ship is coming from and who is on it, and share with the government the point of origin with respect to the ships.

Mr Christie also revealed that the Ebola task force has agreed to appoint Dr Greg Bartlett, a former medical chief of staff at the Rand Memorial Hospital, to command the task force and its work in Grand Bahama.

“I have not yet had the opportunity to say yes or no, but I thought I should communicate it. But, I am advised that he is up to the task,” he said.

Prime Minister Christie added: “All shipping companies involved in bringing goods into our country have an obligation to have a specific partnership in place with government so as to guarantee their business minimum disruption, with best protection in place.”

Mr Christie commended officials at Statoil for talking with health officials about what they should be doing and putting in place.

He indicated that the company has an excellent reputation regarding environmental promotion and protection.

When Statoil acquired the South Riding Point terminal in 2009, Mr Christie said environmental studies had been done which indicated challenges with respect to the conditions and operation of the facility in East Grand Bahama.

The company has spent $250m to upgrade the facility over the past three years. The prime minister said the additional $3m investment for a new administration building in East Grand Bahama will be spent with local contractors and injected into the local economy.

Statoil is the third largest crude oil supplier and second largest gas exporter to Europe. The company has operations in 35 countries. It is operated by Svitzer, a leading Scandinavian petrol conglomerate.

Mr Christie said Statoil employs 70 persons. It is expected, he said, that over next three years the company will carry on another $60m worth of upgrades that will breathe more life into the island’s economy.