Sascha Wilson
As clean-up operations continue in Vessigny Village, La Brea, following an oil spill on Tuesday, life is beginning to return to normal in the community, but one family has been temporarily relocated.
Suresh Beharry and nine other members of his family, including five children, were relocated hours after the oil spill was detected, due to the strong toxic fumes.
The family’s home is located mere feet away from a river that was contaminated by the oil leak. Meanwhile, the company has yet to give the all-clear for Vessigny Beach to be reopened to the public. Heritage personnel were still on site when Guardian Media visited yesterday.
The company confirmed that the oil spill was caused by a leaking six-inch pipeline, which has since been repaired. In a release on Thursday, the company stated that independent air quality tests in the affected area were ongoing, and the readings remained within normal levels.
Heritage stated, “The company is working closely with the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the Environmental Management Authority, local authorities, and community stakeholders to mitigate the impact of the spill and restore the affected area. Heritage remains committed to minimising environmental impact and ensuring a thorough and efficient response.”
In a telephone interview yesterday, Beharry, whose leg was amputated two years ago due to health complications, said the company relocated them to the Paria Suites Hotel, and they were doing well. He said officials told them that they would likely return home today.
Meanwhile, 71-year-old resident Kameel Johan said the scent was now tolerable.
“Now we can cook, light fires and prepare meals,” he said.
He said the company provided meals for them on Wednesday. While he does not know the scope of work, he said a crew had been working day and night, and he is satisfied with their response.
“I am comfortable home here because, as I said, the scent is not as strong as before. They working; I believe they have done their best,” he said.