The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

SENATOR Jerome Gomez yesterday called on BahaMar executives to take the first steps to keep concerned Killarney residents informed of the company's future plans.

Mr Gomez said his remarks in the Senate were sparked by the highly publicised laying of a 10,000 feet underwater pipe, which when completed, would transport water from Long Cay to Goodman's Bay Beach.

The water, he said, would be used to cool BahaMar's air conditioning systems.

He said: "I wish to draw to your attention a matter which has been penned in the written press over the last two weeks and it matters to me because as a Bahamian it affects our beaches.

"There is currently a 10,000 feet underwater pipe being laid, or is supposed to be laid between Long Cay and Goodman's Bay (Beach). This pipe is being laid by a company named Ocean Terminal Energy Corporation.

"From what I've read in the press this pipeline is to be used to supply sea water to cool BahaMar's air condition systems.

"This will be the first project attempted by this company, a company that has no track record with this type."

Mr Gomez said residents in the area understand that their use of the beach would be prohibited for six months to facilitate the work.

"BahaMar has not advised residents, nor have the residents been able to get any information on the project."

Mr Gomez said Goodman's Bay is one of the few beaches to which Bahamians still have access.

"I call upon the Minister of the Environment to investigate the claims and for Bahamar to call a town meeting with the residents of Cable Beach to outline exactly what they are attempting to do to the beach.

"We must guard jealously and protect the few public beaches we have in New Providence," Mr Gomez said.