The Bahamas government met with senior executives from Buckeye Partners Ltd, which owns the BORCO oil storage and refining facility in Freeport, Grand Bahama, 25 March, 2013.

Prime Minister Perry Christie, Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna Martin, and Minister of the Environment and Housing Kenred Dorsett attended the meeting.

A number of matters were discussed, in particular the recent marine spills in waters in the vicinity of Pinder’s Point and the BORCO terminal.

In light of these incidents, concern was expressed by the Bahamas government about the health and safety protocols associated with the operations at BORCO.

The senior executives assured the government of the company’s commitment to the highest standards of operation and safety and it was agreed that there would be an ongoing dialogue on initiatives being undertaken by Buckeye and the implementation of the necessary steps to further enhance training and a culture of safety in operations and protocols.

It was also agreed that the Bahamas government would immediately undertake an audit of its operations at the Freeport facility.

The Bahamas government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the highest possible standards are incorporated into all industrial and marine operations in The Bahamas.

In a statement released yesterday, the Transport Ministry said that legislation is being reviewed to ensure that regulations are adequate for all industrial and marine operations.

In terms of safety and environmental management, The Bahamas is committed to enhancing the safety culture in the industry and in protecting the waters of our country, the statement said.