Several Marathon residents expressed concern yesterday about the government's efforts to screen them for health problems that could have been caused by a Rubis fuel spill more than two years ago.
While health officials have not confirmed the status of the screening exercise, several residents told The Nassau Guardian they had not been tested because of long waiting times or lack of awareness about the screenings.

The government said it expected health screenings, with the assistance of local clinics, to be complete by June 1. Screenings were held on May 16, 17, 23 and 24, The Nassau Guardian understands.

Ted Forbes, owner of Picture 21 Studio, said after waiting for six hours at the Elizabeth Estates Clinic to be tested, he left. He said health officials contacted him and arranged a visit to complete a questionnaire.

"If they could have called us and scheduled for us to see them at our home, why then, if you are going to do a serious testing at the clinic, why not call us?" he asked.

Forbes said his daughter also visited the clinic during one of the screening days and was not seen.

Brenneth Chisholm, a resident of Robinson Road for 34 years and owner of Fine Furnitures Upholstery, said he too was unable to get tested because of extensive waiting times.

"I don't know what is going on," Chisholm said.

"I went there, but I could not get tested. They said they would contact me and no one has called."

Trevor Sangster, a resident of Old Trail Road, said he had not been tested because of his work schedule, but would seek to get tested this week.

Latoya Hanna, a resident of Soldier Road North, said she was tested at the Elizabeth Estates Clinic after being invited to do so, but understands many residents are still waiting to be contacted.

Hanna, spokesperson for Justice for Marathon, said she believes residents were not properly informed about the testing and it was not properly organized.

"I was tested and the results came back normal, but I was denied a hard copy of those results," she said.

"I questioned about further testing... I asked the nurse and the doctor present if we would be contacted in six months or a year.

"I was told by the doctor and the nurse that because my results came back normal there is no need for any further testing."

Ministry of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Glen Beneby and Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Delon Brennen were said to be out of the country until the end of this week.

Glenn Wells, who lives off Old Trail Road, said he has only heard "talk and more talk" about the health screening. He said he was not aware that screening was being conducted at the clinic.

"Two ladies were here from Environmental Health, I think, and they asked a few questions and I filled out some forms, but nothing else," he said.

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