The Tribune

MORE than a year since the government promised them a full and frank explanation, Marathon residents are no closer to understanding why they were left in the dark about a dangerous toxic fuel spill in the centre of their community, according to environmental advocacy group Save The Bays (STB).

A press release from STB said Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson, who first announced the review in May 2015, insists that only the person who conducted the investigation can speak to its results. But retired Justice Joseph Strachan, appointed to undertake the review, has appeared to have washed his hands of the matter, STB said.

For Joseph Darville, STB, the uncertainty surrounding this issue is totally unacceptable in light of the grave danger faced by that community.

“Rubis and our elected officials knew for more than two years that Marathon residents had potentially been exposed to very dangerous chemicals, but made no public announcement about the leak,” Mr Darville said. “When the truth finally came out, the attorney general apologised and promised a full explanation of her government’s actions. Instead of providing answers, officials have done nothing but sow further confusion.”

Mr Darville said that if both Justice Strachan and Mrs Maynard-Gibson refuse to bring some clarity to the matter, Prime Minister Perry Christie must step in and explain what has happened to the results of the review.

“Enough is enough – the public is tired of excuses. The buck stops with the prime minister and he must ensure that the residents of Marathon get the justice they deserve.

“I have been fighting for the victims of chemical pollution for more than four decades and have seen first-hand the terrible consequences – from respiratory problems and skin irritation, to birth defects and outbreaks of cancer.

“As principal of Grand Bahama Catholic High School, I fought to protect the health of my students from the communities of Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard and Hawksbill in the face of heavy pollution from nearby industrial plants. Oil spills and chemical emissions continue to cause health issues and even deaths in that area to this day. Meanwhile, reports by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) have been kept under wraps.

“In Marathon, as in Grand Bahama, it is the government’s job to protect the public and report such threats as they arise. Both these communities deserve to know why they were abandoned.”

Mr Darville noted that in addition to the release of the review, Marathon residents are still waiting for follow-up medical tests, with many unable to get hold of their results from the first round of health screenings.

STB members have repeatedly spoken out in support of those affected by the leak, taking part in a silent protest in July 2015 outside the Rubis station in question. The chairman said the group will continue to fight for the rights of the victims of this leak and all others who are adversely affected by pollution, unregulated development and other environmental hazards.

“The government is sorely mistaken if it believes official silence will make the Rubis affair and others like it simply disappear. Save The Bays, its community partners, and concerned citizens across the length and breadth of The Bahamas will continue to fight to ensure that the truth, justice and the rule of law prevail for the people of Marathon.”

In late 2012, there was an underground fuel leak at Rubis’ Robinson Road station.

Last year, the company insisted that area tests have found no free hydrocarbons in the soil, and reduced hydrocarbon levels in the ground water. Hydrocarbons are made up of compounds such as benzene, a cancer-causing compound found in fuel, and methane.

Last May, the government appointed retired Justice Strachan to conduct a “thorough” independent review into the cause of the delay in the release of an independent report on the ramifications of the Rubis gas leak. The results of that review have not been released.