Ruling on oil drilling expected ‘ASAP’ Stena Drilling’s Stena IceMAX drillship.
After hearing both sides on the matter involving whether Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) should be allowed to proceed with its exploratory oil drilling yesterday, a Supreme Court justice is set to deliver a ruling “as soon as possible.”
Justice Petra Hanna-Adderley heard from the lead attorneys representing Waterkeeper Bahamas Ltd and Coalition to Save Clifton Bay, the government as well as BPC yesterday and adjourned the matter until 5 p.m. today.
Fred Smith, QC, who represents the environmental groups, in his argument contended that the issue at hand is whether the exploratory oil drilling exercise now underway by BPC was lawful and whether the process of licenses being granted by government included all of the steps required by law, including the issuance of permits as well as proper consultation.
Drilling begins Stena Drilling’s Stena IceMAX drillship.
Exploratory oil drilling has commenced in Bahamian waters, according to Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) Chief Executive Officer Simon Potter, who announced in a statement that the Perseverance #1 well was spud on Sunday, December 20.
“We are very pleased to announce that the drilling of the exploratory well, Perseverance #1 has commenced – the well has been spud,” Potter said.
“This is a momentous milestone for both BPC and The Bahamas and represents the culmination of more than 10 years’ work by a team who have remained steadfast in their belief in this project throughout. That it is finally taking place is a testament to the application, skill and professionalism of many people over those years. The well will be drilled to the highest environmental and safety standards over the next 45-60 days.
Campbell and Henfield against oil drilling in Bahamian waters
Two more members of the Minnis Cabinet yesterday voiced their opposition to oil drilling in Bahamian waters.
Minister of Social Services Frankie Campbell said he does not support oil drilling in Bahamian waters but would support drilling on land.
While speaking to reporters outside the House of Assembly, Campbell said, “I believe that the bill that we are debating now speaks to our commitment to our fishing resources in and throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and so, I’m personally concerned about anything that is likely to or has the possibility to have an adverse effect on that.
Finger in the wind
After suggesting in opposition he would support oil drilling with certain caveats, PM panders to populist view on controversial issue Dr. Hubert Minnis.
Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis’ declaration on Friday that he is “totally against” drilling for oil in Bahamian waters is decidedly stronger in tone than his previously stated position on the matter when he was in opposition.
“I am totally against drilling for oil in our waters, totally,” Minnis said. “I have said that before; that has not changed.”
Though we have no record of Minnis ever expressing enthusiastic support for Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) planned exercise, the Free National Movement leader had said in opposition, “In embarking on oil drilling, the only thing I ask is that proper regulations be in place.”
Here’s how a Davis administration would handle the oil drilling issue Leader of the Opposition Philip Davis.
While we might be getting mixed messages on what the Minnis administration’s policy position on oil drilling in Bahamian waters is, Opposition Leader Philip Brave Davis said his administration’s policy position on this critical issue would be clear.
Davis said if the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) assumes office, it would be supportive of drilling for oil in Bahamian waters if two key questions are positively answered: “My position would be first of all, I was part of the regime that transformed the archaic law as it relates to oil drilling and once the law is complied with, the question that I would ask myself is whether it could be done in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way; and if that answer is yes, the second question I would ask myself is if the arrangements that would be entered into with the developer, if that is going to have significant b