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.
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
LAWYERS representing environmental activists, the government and Bahamas Petroleum Company tussled over applications seeking judicial review of BPC’s exploratory oil drilling during a Supreme Court hearing yesterday.
Justice Petra Hanna-Weekes said she will consider their submissions today and return a judgment as soon as possible.
BPC’s drilling of Perseverance #1 began on Sunday, December 20, about 90 miles west of Andros and is expected to be completed within 45 to 60 days.
Yesterday’s hearing considered environmentalists’ application for leave for judicial review, their motion seeking to amend that application to add the Town Planning Committee as a party to the proceedings and their application seeking a stay of drilling activities pending the judicial review.