The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Chief Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

MARATHON residents last night were urged to begin independent testing and treatment for their possible exposure to harmful toxins from the 2012 Rubis gasoline leak.

Dr Sy Pierre, clinical director at the Bahamas Medical Centre, said it could be years before the government screened and approved treatment for all affected persons.

He spoke at a town meeting to address health concerns at Grace Community Church hosted by the community group, Justice for Marathon (JFM).

After an hour, there were nearly 100 people in the hall, which had been sectioned in half and represented a significant reduction over the last meeting held two weeks prior.

JFM spokesperson Latoya Hanna explained that the group limited their advisory to only area residents, and did not invite MP Jerome Fitzgerald or Minister of the Environment Kenred Dorsett.

“We also did not put out any radio ads,” she said, “we wanted to make sure that the only people that are here, are from Marathon because they need to hear this information. So we intended for it to be like this, we didn’t want anything getting in the way of residents asking their questions and receiving this important information.”

Ms Hanna advised residents that the group was compiling information received from questionnaires gathered at both meetings, and from canvassing the area.

She said the group was particularly interested in deaths in the area, and whether persons were using city or well water.

“Area residents in Highbury Park are unable to get city water because pressure is too low,” she said. “Reports are saying residents in Marathon are switching to Water and Sewerage. But Highbury Park, directly across the street cannot get water pressure in a powerful enough level to just wash dishes.”

Dr Pierre announced that Doctors Hospital has agreed to conduct testing at a significantly discounted rate for persons with and without medical insurance, depending on the size of the group.

He also suggested that residents should petition for the government to exempt taxes on water and air filters, which could be donated or purchased in bulk for residents at a reduced cost.

He gave a short presentation on toxins, testing for exposure and various detoxifications treatments, and then opened the floor up for questions.

Public health screening will be open to all Marathon residents tomorrow at the Elizabeth Estates clinic at 9am.

Residents were advised to take advantage of the opportunity to be seen, and bring proof of residency, such as a voters card or utility bill. Employees in the area were asked to take in their work identification card or pay stub.

Dr Pierre said proper testing for heavy metals and other toxins could only be done through blood and urine samples.

He said the potent effect of toxins on persons of child-bearing age was particularly concerning.

“Even if you’re looking to say you want the government to do this or that,” Dr Pierre said, “whether they do it may be five or ten years from now and you may not be around to have the treatment. It’s important to do whatever you can do now.”

He said: “If the government is serious, we just spent millions on carnival, I don’t see why we can’t spend a few thousand on the residents of Marathon to get them tested and treated.”

He said that testing covered by general health insurance, and if the tests come back positive then the insurance provider would also pay for the treatment.

When asked about whether test results could be conclusively linked to cancer or other health defects, Dr Pierre said there was no way to measure specifically. However, he pointed out that based on the results, and data gathered, the community could take joint legal action against the government or the perpetrator, Rubis.