Opposition Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis said yesterday that the government's response to the Rubis fuel leak has been "insulting" and the "overdue" apology that Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson offered on behalf of the government did not go far enough. Minnis spoke out on the issue after several government ministers addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the spill. During a press conference at the Ministry of Health on Monday, Maynard-Gibson said the government had nothing to hide in relation to the gasoline spill at the Robinson Road station, and apologized for not releasing a consultants report sooner.

Maynard-Gibson's apology came two weeks after she suggested the release of the Black & Veatch report into the spill had not been delayed. The report was completed on February 20, 2014 but wasn't released until April 17, 2015 after angry residents questioned the delay.

Minnis, who previously called on several government ministers to resign and apologize to the residents of Marathon over their "shameful" handling of the matter, said yesterday that the apology lacked conviction.

"The government clearly demonstrated that they were only concerned about beefing up their image," he said. "This is a national disaster and yes, they should resign, especially because they held back information that was detrimental to people's health.

"The people want a government that is honest. They are tired of this apologetic government. They want a government that cares."

On April 26, Minnis called for the resignations of Maynard-Gibson, Minister of Health Dr. Perry Gomez, Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald and Minister of the Environment Kenred Dorsett. He said yesterday that since then, those ministers have done little to indicate that they legitimately regret the delay in the release of the report.

During Monday's press conference, Dorsett provided an update on the government's efforts to address the spill.

"All contaminants in water and soil in the properties to which we have been given access have been eliminated," Dorsett said. "The Rubis spill is contained and the results of testing for contamination levels in wells, residences and businesses at all affected areas have been made public."

However, he added that until there is independent scientific verification to confirm that ground water is "completely safe", nobody in the area should use ground water. The spill took place more than two years ago.

Minnis also commented on a town meeting that was held on Monday night to address residents' concerns related to the spill. He said Fitzgerald, who is also the MP for Marathon, should have addressed his constituents in the public forum sooner and suggested that the late move was politically motivated. However, when he addressed those in attendance at the town meeting, Fitzgerald said he was not there to "play politics".

"Marathon, I want to say that I find it truly unfortunate that this situation has been imbedded with partisan speculation, political jockeying and scare tactics, especially when the well-being of those affected ought to be central to our discourse," Fitzgerald told the room filled with a mix of supporters, residents and media personalities.

"I am advised that there are already persons scurrying to the Marathon constituency with less than sincere objectives. Well Marathon, as your representative I am available to provide any necessary counsel."

The Black & Veatch report concluded that residents who live and work near the gas station were exposed to chemicals that could create health risks.

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