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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
CONTRACT SIGNING – The Government of The Bahamas has entered into an agreement with the Pan American Health Organisation and the World Health Organisation to complete the Environmental and Health Risk Assessment in the Pinder’s Point and Lewis Yard area. Pictured left to right: Dr. Michael Darville, Minister for Grand Bahama; Dr. Gerry Eijkemans, PAHO representative to The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands; and Mr. Melvin Seymour, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama. (BIS Photo /Vandyke Hepburn)
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FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – The vexing problem of pollution and odour facing residents in the Pinder’s Point and Lewis Yard area, emanating from the neighbouring industrial sector is getting the full attention of the Government of The Bahamas.
Minister for Grand Bahama, Dr. Michael Darville, announced Monday the signing of an agreement between the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation to complete the environmental and health risk assessment studies in the Pinder’s Point and Lewis Yard settlements.
The Minister welcomed Dr. Gerry Eijkemans, Representative of The Pan American Health Organisation and Ms. Kelly Kavanah Salmond, Consultant on Social Determinants of Health to The Pan American Health Organisation, to Ministry for Grand Bahama, for the signing of the agreement.
He pointed out that while the Government of The Bahamas have carried out some studies and dialogue with residents in the area, that it is much appreciated to have the experts from PAHO and the WHO, both highly respected international bodies, now contracted by the Government of The Bahamas to complete the study.
The Minister maintains that health and wellness of all Grand Bahama residents is of paramount concern. He said the relocation of residents in Pinder’s Point and Lewis Yard has been a topic of conversation for too long and the studies will guide the government's decision.
Minister Darville said for too long there has been lip service to the many pressing issues about the environment on Grand Bahama and the potential negative impact that industry has on the lives of individuals who live and work in close proximity to the industrial park.
“Today I’m elated that we are making strides in fulfilling our mandate of the proposed relocation of the residents of Lewis Yard and Pinder’s Point as promised in our Charter for Governance.
He pointed out that in collaboration with Bahamian consultants, the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation will engage the latest technology to conduct these assessments to determine, if any, the environmental impacts of the proximity to the industrial park.
He said the government of The Bahamas has allocated the funding to defray the cost of the management and implementation of this assessment; and through the Ministry for Grand Bahama, have taken the necessary steps to bring resolution to decades of unanswered questions and tackle this issue once and for all.
He urged residents and businesses in the industrial sector to cooperate fully with the consultants and Bahamian officials as they carry out their studies.
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