By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

VITAL fire services have been restored to the Eight Mile Rock community after a decade.

Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday officially opened the fire station, which had been closed after severe hurricane damage in 2004 and 2005.

Two new fire units have also been commissioned and are now stationed in the Eight Mile Rock community.

Mr Christie said the government had an obligation to provide services that will afford residents a sense of security and dignity. “That is why governments in the Bahamas find it especially difficult,” he said, “because we have to make choices and decide on whether a new fire engine is placed in EMR, that a station that was closed whether given the proximity to Freeport it makes sense to open it up.

He said: “And whether or not we ought to have in Exuma two or three fire engines, or in smaller islands the capacity to fight fire, the capacity to police effectively, and to provide health facilities and health service efficiently and effectively.”

EMR is the largest settlement in the Bahamas, according to senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Emrick Seymour, who said there will be two fire sub-stations operating on a 24 hour basis.

Mr Christie and a large contingent of his Cabinet attended the reopening and ribbon cutting at 9.30am.

Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage said the re-opening of the fire substation served as a clear indication of government’s support for the people of west Grand Bahama.

He also underscored the significance of the 1,000-gallon capacity Rosenbaum fire truck, valued at more than $250,000.

“When the building fell into disrepair,” he said, “it was abandoned and the officers of fire services returned to Freeport.

“Recognising the importance of maintaining the presence in this highly populated settlement of EMR, coupled with repeated requests from the Minister for Grand Bahama and community leaders here in the West, we took the firm position to make this opening a reality,” said Dr Nottage.

Mr Christie pointed out that the government in its last budget communication made it possible for persons living outside of Freeport access to build and purchase materials for construction of their homes and businesses duty free.

He added that government is proposing to build a new school, and a state-of-

the-art sporting facility in west Grand Bahama.