PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis was adamant yesterday the environment will be protected as Bahamians await the findings of an environmental impact assessment into the Oban Energies oil refinery and storage facility proposed for Grand Bahama.

Stressing certain obligations have to be met before the $5.5bn project begins, Dr Minnis maintained the government will ensure there is no compromise when it comes to the environment.

Asked whether he could offer an update on the project Dr Minnis said: “No I have no update, I have no update.”

This comes as Oban officials have said their EIA is progressing, but more time will be needed to complete it. In February, Oban’s former non-executive chairman Peter Krieger said the EIA would be complete within 45 days.

His comments came February 19 during a “ceremonial” signing at the Office of the Prime Minister. Since then, details in this regard have not been forthcoming from Oban, the government or the Bahamas Environment Science Technology (BEST) Commission.

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