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Last Updated: Apr 25, 2019 - 12:05:12 PM |
Nassau, The Bahamas - The Bahamas is carefully reviewing information regarding alleged discharges originating from Carnival Cruise Lines’ (Carnival) vessels within, and around, the coastal waters of The Bahamas over the course of 2017, the circumstances regarding which were made public recently in connection with court proceedings in the United States. The Government of The Bahamas finds these allegations most disturbing and takes this matter seriously and as such has engaged all relevant Government Ministries and Departments to facilitate a comprehensive review and to provide an appropriate response commensurate to the actions.
Whilst the ships named are not Bahamas flagged, the allegations, if founded, would be considered serious violations of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973/1978 (MARPOL) to which The Bahamas is party. As the port and coastal State in which the violations may have occurred, The Bahamas will investigate and take measures as appropriate.
The Government has asked [the Port Department and] The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) to engage with Carnival and other relevant parties to conduct the investigation into these allegations. Contact has already been made with Carnival, who is cooperating fully with The Bahamas and has pledged full transparency in the investigation into the circumstances of this matter. Having regards to the US Courts-ordered five-year Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP) of Carnival, the BMA has requested from Carnival the US Court auditors ECP 2018 report. The Government has been reassured of a comprehensive investigation by the BMA in accordance with international standards.
Any recommendations arising from the investigation will be implemented to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Hon. Renward R. Wells, MP
Minister of Transport and Local Government
April 25, 2019
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