FOR years residents of a community in Grand Bahama have suffered noxious odours from a nearby sewage plant, but after a resident died of pneumonia last week, the residents for the first time will come together this morning to protest about the conditions.

There is no proof that the illness of the deceased resident, Michael Wilchcombe, was caused by the sewage plant at Chesapeake, Freeport.

But residents think it is not a coincidence that the 57-year-old and other members of the community have faced respiratory illnesses amid the toxic fumes.

According to one resident, Shuffel Hepburn, who is organising today’s protest, officials from the Grand Bahama Utility Company have blamed the noxious odours on a nearby pond - which they also own - rather than the sewage plant.

“Where in the history of the Bahamas have we heard of ponds making people sick?” Mr. Hepburn asked.

Residents are seeking recourse through the legal system in the matter, although Mr. Hepburn could not discuss the case with The Tribune.

He said since moving to the area years ago, Mr. Wilchcombe had continually suffered bouts of flu.

“At first the flu turned into bronchitis,” Mr. Hepburn explained. “He was admitted to hospital, stayed several days there and was off from work for about four to five weeks. It wasn’t long before he started feeling funny again. He went to the doctor and the doctor said he had fluid in his lungs.

“He took a couple days off from work and then he went back to work. But on Sunday I got a call saying he had been rushed to the hospital with breathing problems. I got a call an hour later saying he had died.

“It’s unfortunate and we have another resident who had a similar incident except it didn’t end that way. Her house is next in proximity to the plant. Other residents have health issues, have health problems too.”

Today’s demonstration is scheduled to take place from 10:30am to 1:30pm.

By Rashad Rolle, Tribune Staff Reporter

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