The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Grand Bahama Port Authority Ltd and the Grand Bahama Utility Company Ltd have confirmed that “industry best practices” are being followed regarding the operation of the Chesapeake Waste Water Treatment Plant.

The companies issued a press statement in response to comments made by Shuffel Hepburn, who appeared as a guest on a radio talk show hosted by Wendall Jones on June 29.

“The public should be aware that Mr Hepburn is prosecuting a lawsuit against the Grand Bahama Utility Company (GBUC) before the Supreme Court in which he has made certain allegations regarding the operation of the Chesapeake Waste Water Treatment Plant (CWWTP). Mr Hepburn’s claims have been comprehensively answered by GBUC in the pending litigation,” the statement said.

“Five days were assigned by the Supreme Court for Mr Hepburn to conduct a trial of his claims against GBUC over the CWWTP from May 23-27, 2016. Mr Hepburn, however, asked for his day in court to be postponed and now appears to have resorted to conducting a trial of his claims in the press.”

The Grand Bahama Utility Company said it does not intend to conduct a trial of Mr Hepburn’s claims in the media. The company stated that a “trial in the press” is inappropriate as the issues are under consideration by the Supreme Court.

GBUC said it looks forward to presenting its case in court.

The GBPA and GBUC also said they have been in discussions with Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville and have assured the government that the plant is being operated in a responsible manner.

“Likewise, we wish to assure members of the public that industry best practices are being followed,” the companies said.

Mr Hepburn and other area residents have frequently raised concerns about possible ill health effects from the sewage plant.