By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Tribune Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
MINISTER of State for the Environment Zane Lightbourne cautioned against spreading panic over the recent SpaceX Starship explosion, urging reliance on expert assessments rather than speculation.
His warning came during a heated House of Assembly exchange after Free National Movement (FNM) Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright accused the government of failing to follow proper procedures for SpaceX launches. The Starship rocket exploded mid-flight on 6 March, lighting up the Bahamian sky and leaving debris scattered on several beaches, including Ragged Island.
Ragged Island resident Craig Maycock discovered rocket fragments, describing them as having a strange smell. He collected several pieces, including steel and tile blocks, some with serial numbers.
Mr Lightbourne pushed back against efforts to link the government’s agreement on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 booster landings with the separate issue of Starship’s failed launch.
“When we reach the sensitivity of especially matters of science, it’s important, like medical science and environmental science, to get the information from the expert and be very careful about inciting any type of panic,” he said.
Mr Cartwright questioned why no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted before allowing SpaceX activity, arguing the government should have taken more precautions.
“What we are talking about is a proper government agency, and a proper governmental process was not followed as far as we are concerned,” he said. “A fisherman doesn’t call his fish stink.”
However, Starship’s launch and explosion occurred in Texas, outside Bahamian jurisdiction, raising questions about whether an EIA would have been possible for such an event. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe dismissed Cartwright’s criticism, pointing out that Bahamian rocket scientist Aisha Bowe had advised the government on the programme’s safety.
“He made it worse. He made it much worse,” Mr Munroe said. “Because they weren’t paying attention to what was said because the person who did the evaluation before and after are also young Bahamians. Young black Bahamians who are educated and they say they care about the youth.”
The government has since initiated independent environmental assessments to examine potential toxic contaminants, rocket fuel residues, and seabed disruption, with water and air quality samples being collected. Officials have promised to release a formal statement on the findings.
While The Bahamas has entered into an agreement allowing up to 20 Falcon 9 booster landings — each requiring a separate licence from the Civil Aviation Authority — those landings are distinct from the Starship programme, which remains in the testing phase under US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversight.
Comments
Flyingfish 2 days, 8 hours ago
This is all types of nonsense, summarized in this article.
I find it ridiculously humorous how the Environment Minister can urge against spreading panic when the concern is about a lack of transparency from his department. He should do his job properly/thoroughly if he doesn't want the negative consequence.
Secondly, Why the hell is Wayne Munroe citing Aisha Bowe on the safety of these craft in our environment. She is an aeronautics expert, not an environmental expert. She is a valuable consultant but can't be considered a source for confirmation.
Considering that Ms. Bowe may be on Space X's payroll.
Furthermore, Whether or not if this incident has to do with the agreement signed or not, SpaceX should be considered liable for damage. If it is discovered that they did causes damages, they should be fined. Any sensible government would have laid down the standard that, companies cannot dump their garbage or pollutants in our country without accountability.
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