The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Public Services Union President John Pinder yesterday criticised the government for not giving “prompt attention” to reports of mould infestation in a number of Royal Bahamas Police Force buildings in New Providence.

During a press conference at the Police Staff Association (PSA) headquarters on East Bay Street, Mr Pinder said that the government should focus on “protecting Bahamians” and not about their public perceptions.

“If there is one set of people that need to be healthy and have clear frames of mind, it should be the police officers who are protecting all of us.

“I certainly endorse the action taken by the Police Staff Association in trying to ensure that the government does what it is supposed to do for these officers who have to be in these buildings for 12 hours, have to work these long shifts,” said Mr Pinder.

“It is important for the government, when they have this type of information, to bring it forward to people in a timely fashion so that people can make the necessary adjustments.

“We would hope that when they have this type of information that it comes in a more timely fashion to persons so that we can know what we are up against and we can make decisions. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”

In a 2013 report, Clear Solutions Plus found that a “significant amount” of mould was discovered that required “prompt attention” to prevent severe allergic reactions among police officers and other persons who frequent the 25 buildings listed in the report.

The price tag for the corrective measures was projected at $187,275 for work to be completed over a 14-week period.

PSA Chairman Dwight Smith said yesterday, more than a year and a half after that report was submitted, the government to his knowledge has not acted on the findings or moved to improve the working conditions of officers at these locations.

This comes after it was recently revealed that the government had possession of a 2014 independent report into a Rubis underground fuel leak in Marathon, but did not release it for more than a year.

That report revealed area residents were potentially exposed to high levels of cancer causing chemicals in the water table and soil following the incident.