In the quiet settlement of Bullocks Harbor, the quaint capital of the Berry Islands, residents are sometimes left immobile as three and four-day gas shortages are not uncommon at all. It’s a challenge to the island mainly because tourism is creating many opportunities right now which are dependent upon different modes of transportation.
“Our gas situation is a vexing problem because on an island like this, where 60 per cent of the working people get to their jobs on boats, fuel is important. Some days the island is completely out of fuel and there are few other alternatives,” said Cardinal Rolle, Counsellor of the Berry Islands.
According to Mr Rolle, the island has experienced gas shortages at least five times already this year, and the shortage lasted up to two weeks on one of those occasions.
He added: “It inconveniences us, as well as tourism and everything else. That’s one of the pressing situations we’re dealing with over here.”
The situation has become so pressing at times that while most Bahamians generally have been irritated at having to pay up to $4.75 for a gallon of gas at the pumps, Mr Rolle said that the cost of gas has become irrelevant. “Even if the gas prices are bad, if you have it, you still can survive. These are necessities and things we need to have.”
Government help has been sought on the fuel issue as well as other challenges that hamper economic and social growth in the Berry Islands. However, according to the local government board, getting results has been a slow moving process. “These are legitimate concerns and we hope they get addressed soon.”
Through an informal survey many residents of Bullocks Harbour agreed that the fuel shortage was one of the more pressing concerns.
“It affects our tourism because a lot of boats get turned away from this place when gas is out,” said Mr Rolle. “Fuel is a vital part of operations. Imagine coming form Nassau on a boat and you are low on fuel and have to stop to the Berry Islands. You are stuck here and that’s a big inconvenience.”
Deputy Chief Counsellor Kevin Wallace further emphasised the impact of gas shortages on tourism revenue which he said resulted in substantial losses. “It’s not fair to us. This is a modern day Bahamas and we are supposed to have these things.”
The local government representatives, who included Chief Counsellor David Dean, said they are looking forward to the day when Bahamians owned gas stations on the island which they feel would reduce the red tape on gas supply considerably.
The Nassau Guardian
