Recovery process continues at container port

Thu, Apr 8th 2010, 12:00 AM

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama - One week after tragedy struck at the Freeport Container Port and left three dead, its executives met in closed sessions yesterday with employees to hear and address their concerns.

It was in keeping with a promise Port Director Godfrey Smith made to several of those who had gathered at the Burger King Restaurant on The Mall Drive last Thursday morning to voice their grievances over safety measures at the port which were highlighted by last Monday's deadly tornado.

The "freak" weather system, which reportedly hit the transshipment site around 11:30 a.m., injured 11 employees, most of them from the Engineering Department reportedly performing work on one of the cranes.

Two of the Container Port employees — Romaine McIntosh, a straddle carrier, and Glen Bodie, an engineer — were airlifted last week to Jackson Memorial Hospital for further medical attention.

While the Freeport Container Port's executives are expected to hold a press conference this week, it is understood that they have been in constant contact with the families of Bodie and McIntosh and have been kept updated on their progress.

McIntosh is said to be feeling "much better" and is eating and drinking. Although he is breathing on his own, he remains in intensive care.

Bodie is also said to be doing better and reportedly has no fractures.

The container port's management team held three meetings Tuesday with employees who were reportedly given the opportunity the air their concerns on issues such as safety and job security. With half of the equipment down at the transshipment plant, which runs a 24-hour, seven-day operation, assessments are ongoing and it is still uncertain what changes, if any will be made.

A memorial service was held last week at the site where the accident occurred to pay homage to 43-year-old Michael Young, 49-year-old Cleveland Lowe and 23-year-old Shawn Saunders. Several ministers of the gospel and counselors were on hand to speak to the 725 employees at the Freeport Container Port.

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