Environment Minister Says Bahama Rock Operations Remain at a Standstill

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GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – For now, Bahama Rock’s plans to expand its operations in Grand Bahama remain at a standstill.

The company is seeking approval for a project that would see it excavate aggregate from about 269 acres of the former Bahamas Cement Company property, with the site eventually forming part of an expanded Freeport Harbour.

However, before that can happen, Environment Minister Zane Lightbourne says the project must clear the environmental review process.

Part of that process included a public town hall held on July 29th, where residents had their chance to weigh in.

Lightbourne says the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection participated in that meeting, but according to the minister, the company didn’t get the feel back that they were looking for.

Zane Lightbourne – Minister, Environment and Natural Resources

“The town meeting was not favorable at the time…whatever the company seeks to do, they must then come back to the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, and whatever adjustments must be made to the request, to get the project moved forward. They can attempt those.”

Depsite this, that doesn’t necessarily mean the door is closed.

In recent weeks, residents in nearby communities have raised concerns about blasting, dust, flooding, groundwater and possible damage to homes.

Lightbourne says Bahama Rock can go back to the Department, make adjustments to its request, and attempt to move the project forward.

However, he says the government will allow the legal and environmental process to play out without interference.

Zane Lightbourne – Minister, Environment and Natural Resources

“ As it stands now, we are still facilitating the process in accordance with the law, without government interference, and we wanna make sure that we do everything in the best interest of the Bahamian people…”

For now, Lightbourne says the project remains on hold because it has not yet satisfied the required environmental standards.

This raises new questions about the workers.

Bahama Rock halted aggregate production on September 18th as its existing permitted limestone reserves ran out, with dozens of workers affected.

Lightbourne says the government is concerned about those workers, but insists their employment situation was not the result of an agreement between the government and Bahama Rock falling through.

Meanwhile, Grand Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey, also weighing on the matter, Moxey acknowledges that jobs are being impacted, but says there are other developments happening across Grand Bahama that could create new opportunities.

Ginger Moxey – Minister, Grand Bahama

“ I empathize with the people of Eight Mile Rock, of West Grand Bahama, Pindling Point, Lewis Yard and Queen’s Cove, and so I understand that. And of course, the government of The Bahamas is going to ensure that the environmental process takes its course.”