On Thursday 24th January, at BIOS’ Hanson Hall, the Ministry of National Security’s Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) in conjunction with RUBiS Energy Bermuda Ltd. (RUBiS), and SOL Petroleum Bermuda Ltd. (SOL), held a Town Hall meeting for Ferry Reach residents to discuss drafting an Emergency Evacuation Plan in the event of serious incidents at the Ferry Reach fuel farms.

In attendance was Acting Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Furbert JP. MP., the Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Team, National Disaster Coordinator, Steve Cosham, RUBiS Managing Director, Graham Redford, SOL General Manager Jonathan Brewin, and senior government officials.

Acting Minister Furbert, reiterated the need to have contingency plans in place stating, “ Failing to plan is planning to fail.”

Mr. Cosham who moderated the meeting explained, “It is critical to involve the public in the process of developing emergency contingency plans. This helps ensure everyone has a vested interest in them, and should the need arise, be committed to implementing those plans.”

Among questions from the public was the future storage of Liquid Natural Gas and increased hazards that this fuel could present.

Government’s Director of Energy, Jeane Nikolai, responded, “The independent Regulatory Authority of Bermuda is in the process of creating an energy generation strategy in the form of an Integrated Resource Plan or IRP. When completed, the IRP will guide us in employing future technologies.”      

Toward the end of the meeting, volunteers agreed to represent area residents at future planning meetings.

The goal is to have the emergency contingency plans complete by the end of 2019.  

For more information or questions, please contact:

Divisional Fire Officer Troy Furbert,

Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation team

Ministry of National Security

E-mail: tofurbert@gov.bm

Phone: 535-2463