By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Chief Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday accused Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald of using political supporters to derail a town meeting held to address concerns over the Rubis fuel spill in his constituency.

Dr Minnis charged that Mr Fitzgerald and other members of the PLP engaged in dated political tactics to bolster the embattled MP’s image in the face of public outrage over the government’s handling of the spill.

He confirmed that he recognised PLP supporters from the Fort Charlotte constituency and further accused the party of organising for busloads of people to be brought in from outside the community.

“It’s a disgrace that Fitzgerald and other members of the Progressive Liberal Party brought busloads to support Fitzgerald. Last night was not about Fitzgerald, it was about people’s quality of life, their experience, what they’re going through, what effect it has on their life, their assets,” he said.

“Jerome came in as a true uncaring politician who made it all about himself. He brought people to cheer him on while people are concerned about the impact of the spill on their livelihood.”

Key government officials apologised to the public for delays in making a Black and Veatch International report on the Rubis underground gasoline leak public amidst widespread criticism on Monday. Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson, accompanied by the Environmental Minister Kenred Dorsett, Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald, Health Minister Perry Gomez and Chief Medical Officer Glenn Beneby, offered an apology to the residents of Marathon for the “stress and concern” caused by the spill of 24,000 gallons.

On Monday night, more than 200 people flocked to the volatile town meeting at Grace Community Church to address the exclusive concerns of residents in Regency Park, Highbury Park, and Palmetto Village.

Residents railed against reports of inadequate testing in their community and accused the government of negligence in its role to protect public health.

Mr Fitzgerald was met with loud cheering and applause when he entered the room. A number of people chanted “who cares, Fitzgerald cares”. At Cabinet yesterday, Mr Fitzgerald declined questions from the media.

PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said he was out of the country and could not speak directly to the party’s involvement at the town meeting; however, he noted that Mr Fitzgerald was a popular politician and it was not surprising that people would attend the meeting to support him.

Dr Minnis said: “People want politicians who care. The Cabinet demonstrated that they cared more about themselves and political mileage when they withheld the report. Jerome Fitzgerald is just a reflection of the people of the Cabinet.

“He brought two busloads of people from Fort Charlotte. It’s a disgrace and Bahamian people are now looking for people who care about them.”

At the town meeting, residents pointed to numerous cancer deaths and blood-related diseases that were said to have proliferated in the community. Katrina Livingstone, 90, said she discovered she had blood cancer last year and has had to begin treatment after several years in remission.

Dr Minnis said he spoke to Ms Livingstone, who informed him that she fears she will no longer be able to sell her home. The elderly woman’s residence was valued at $250,000 when she had it appraised about a year ago, according to Dr Minnis, who added that she had intended to sell her home to purchase a smaller residence and remain financially independent.

He added that rental owners in the area were also rapidly losing tenants as a result of the spill.

“Now with what has happened, she does not think she can get $50,000,” Dr Minnis said. “The people are worrying about what is happening to them today. The cancers they can develop, they are worrying about their babies being born with diseases that can manifest 10 years from today, the quality of their life decreased.

“They (PLP) only care about themselves, and we do not want that type of politician in the future. We want individuals that care. These are individuals that were exposed to chemicals like benzene. The Rubis report said that of the 24,000 gallons, only 7,000 gallons were retrieved.

“The people, especially the young people of tomorrow, don’t want that type of politician anymore,” Dr Minnis added. “That politician is the past.”