Dear Editor,

After reading and listening to the various statements related to the fuel spill from the Rubis Station on Robinson Road, one could only be confused and uncertain as to what precisely has occurred since 2012/2013. One thing is clear and well established. There was a spill of some thousands of gallons of unleaded fuel, thereby contaminating the below and above ground environments of the residents and workers in the environs of the station. These facts were confirmed by the consultants to the government, Black and Veatch, in their report, which was submitted in February 2014. These consultants also concluded that residents who live or work near the Rubis station were exposed to chemicals that could create health risks including carcinogenic effects.

What was done by our various agencies from the time of the spill, 2012/2013 until the release of this crucial report more that one year since it was submitted to the government?

Recently we have been able to read and hear the views from the residents themselves, Rubis officials; the MP for Marathon, Jerome Fitzgerald; the minister with responsibility for the environment, Kenred Dorsett; the BEST commission; the Attorney General, Senator Allyson Maynard Gibson. All have made their statements, none of which satisfactorily clarify the situation.
Firstly, it is my view that considering the number of entities involved in this matter, a statement of clarification and apology must be forthcoming from the prime minister - now, not later!

Secondly a full, open inquiry into this matter is warranted and should be undertaken immediately. Again in my view, the real bottom line is the threat to the health and well being of the innocent unsuspecting residents and workers of the area. I was therefore shocked at the reported response of the Ministry of Health as explained by the official, Dr. Delon Brennan. Their response is very late and lackadaisical.

The residents are above all, extremely concerned for the health of themselves and their loved ones. The health care teams should have been in the Marathon constituency area two years ago! They should have been interacting with and establishing a plan of action with the residents, thereby giving them some degree of comfort that their medical concerns were being addressed.

The more common possible symptoms should have been shared with them and a specific site for them to attend if they developed any symptoms established. In addition to giving them a level of reassurance, it could have contributed to the collection of valuable pertinent data. This should have occurred immediately after the announcement of the spill!

At the same time other long term plans and other agencies could have been included as necessary. Our government seems to be able to find funding for other events, how much more so for the health and well being of our people?
It is obvious that the MP for Marathon and the minister responsible for the environment and others clearly demonstrated more concern for party politics than for the well being of the "good and wonderful" people who have afforded them the privilege to serve.
It is well established in the area of medico-legal litigations that one of the main reasons why the decision is made to seek legal redress in such situation is the lack of contact, information and explanation to the aggrieved party.

- Dr. Madlene Sawyer

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