A problem that residents of Freeport, Grand Bahama say emanate from the neighbouring industrial sector has gotten the full attention of the government so much so that an agreement between the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and World Health Organisation (WHO) to complete an environmental and health risk assessment study in the Pinder’s Point and Lewis Yard settlements has been signed.
The Government of The Bahamas has taken the plea from those residents to do something about the pollution and odour facing them very seriously.
According to Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville while the government has carried out some studies and have dialogued with residents in the area, he is happy to have the experts from PAHO and the WHO complete the study.
“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 said.
The minister also said the government has allocated the funding to defray the cost of the management and has taken the necessary steps to bring resolution to decades of unanswered questions to tackle the issue once and for all.
He continues to maintain that health and wellness of all Grand Bahama residents is of paramount concern.
“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,” the minister 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.”
In collaboration with Bahamian consultants, the Pan American Health Organisation and 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.
The Minister welcomed Representative of The Pan American Health Organisation Dr. Gerry Eijkemans, and Consultant on Social Determinants of Health to The Pan American Health Organization Ms. Kelly Kavanah Salmond, to Ministry for Grand Bahama, for the signing of the agreement on Monday.
