Gomez silent on Rubis row

Dr Perry Gomez, Minister of Health.

As of Tuesday, April 28, 2015

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE calls for his resignation and a heightened concern over the wellbeing of people exposed to chemicals from the 2012 Rubis underground gasoline leak in Marathon, Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez refused to answer questions yesterday on his ministry’s response to this crisis.

When contacted, Dr Gomez said: “No comment at this time. When we have gotten everything together then we will speak on it.”

However, FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said it was “shameful” that at this point in the game, Dr Gomez is resorting to silence when the residents of Marathon are gravely concerned about their health.

Dr Minnis, a former minister of health, accused the entire Christie Cabinet of negligence, saying every minister was aware of an independent report into the leak, but did not warn Bahamians of potential danger.

Dr Minnis said: “It is inexcusable that the minister of health is refusing to address the concerns of residents who deserve to know how their lives have been impacted and how this worthless government is going to fix this.

“At this point we don’t know how many women in Marathon and those who worked at Cable Bahamas have been affected or if any of them miscarried children. Mum cannot be the word. He must say something.”

Dr Minnis said as a doctor, the minister of health should have more regard for human life.

As public fury mounts at the government’s handling of the health problem, residents of Marathon have started an online petition saying Rubis Bahamas must be held accountable for cleanup and financial duties to the residents of Marathon.

Up to press time, 62 people had signed the petition.

On Sunday, Dr Minnis insisted that because of the government’s mishandling of “the worst crisis in recent times” it is now impossible to retroactively determine the total exposure to chemicals given off from the gas leak.

His party outlined several demands, including that the government create a multi-ministry task force to formulate a proper response to the gas leak, and the immediate commencement of public health screenings and testing of residents.

He has demanded that Minister of Environment Kenred Dorsett, Dr Gomez, Education Minister and Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald and Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson apologise to each Marathon resident and resign forthwith.

The fuel release of 12,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline was observed in late December 2012 by former operator Fiorente Management, and reported to Rubis on January 19, 2013, according to the BEST Commission.

Black and Veatch was later contracted by the government in 2013 to ensure that the actions taken by station owner Rubis Bahamas to address the release were appropriate to protect public health. It was also with a view to ensure there was adequate remediation of the environment.

The report was completed on February 20, 2014 and only released two weeks ago, causing some observers to accuse the government of suppressing the document.

The fuel leak could have put thousands of people at risk of exposure to toxic substances in gasoline, such as benzene, xylene and toluene, the FNM has maintained.

More like this story

B_I_D___ 9 years, 6 months ago

In other words, he has not been granted approval to open his mouth...another one that dare not speak out of line...gutless and worthless...

banker 9 years, 6 months ago

Probably sent it off to Allyson Mayonnaise Gibson for a slippery "legal opinion". Wutless PLP!

ohdrap4 9 years, 6 months ago

he said "health tax or death". the death has started.

businesses and corporations will be exempt from paying reparations.

Just like in south Africa.

TalRussell 9 years, 6 months ago

Comrade Minister Dr Gomez an supposedly adult grown man said: “No comment at this time. When we have gotten everything together then we will speak on it." But hold it this type behavior ain't new, cuz apparently it's being going on ever since January 19, 2013, but kept all hidden from the public, when the health risks report was first issued. The minister needs cut out with his drama, cuz you can't be hiding a damaging health report for 2 years, then make it all good with - "when we have gotten everything together then we will speak on it." Or, can you, if you're sounding like a spoiled politician brat, when it comes to hiding health reports from residents and if you're a PLP member PM's cabinet? By the time da PM will reaches having rung da 2017 General Elections bell, it going sounds lots more ridiculous. No, more likes - plain outrages stuff originating from mouths PLP's. And, what does Minnnis do about it? Asks the PLP government to offer a simple apology to residents. You cannot write this stuff as comedy, tis too truthful.

ted4bz 9 years, 6 months ago

If ever there was a different respond I think I would fall right through the ground.

Please click the link and sign the petition forcing RUBiS and the Government to act. https://www.change.org/p/rubis-bahamas-…

SP 9 years, 6 months ago

............................ RUBIS IS OWNED BY THE GOOD OLD BOYS DEM ............................

Gomez is walking party lines instead of looking out for the peoples interest.

Enough horse-shyt!

A.G. Allyson Maynard Gibson may have to recuse herself due to conflict of interest if she, anyone in her family or any of her companies have any interest in Rubis.

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