Minister Foulkes Announces Safety Review of Container Port

In a release issued Monday afternoon by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development the Minister of Labour and Social Development, the Hon. Dion Foulkes said that as a result of the tornado that struck the Freeport Container Port in Grand Bahama on 29 March, 2010, that the Government of the Bahamas will cause an independent investigation of the ensuing fatalities, casualties and damage at that facility.

The release further stated, "The investigation will be conducted beginning on May 6, 2010 by Mr. Jacques Obadia, an independent Occupational Safety and Health expert, whose services are being secured by the Government of the Bahamas through the good offices of the International Labour Organization (ILO). "

Mr. Obadia, is said to have thirty years of occupational safety and health experience and expertise. He is expected to conduct a fact finding mission into all aspects of the events surrounding the accident, inclusive of interviewing those persons involved in the accident including emergency response personnel.

Minister Foulkes added that the report resulting from the investigation, will be reviewed by the Government of the Bahamas and made public.

Note: The deadly tornado took the lives of Cleveland Lowe, 49; Michael Young, 43, and Shawn Saunders, 23.  The men were carrying out maintenance work to a gantry crane which  toppled in the water after being struck by another crane when a tornado hit the port.