More petroleum safety inspectors needed - Williams

With 320 gas stations operating across the island, it has been revealed that there are only four petroleum safety inspectors to ensure all of these establishments are in compliance with regulations.

This was confirmed on Monday by Energy Minister Fayval Williams at a media briefing.

All gas stations should be inspected annually.

Mrs Williams admitted that additional personnel are needed to conduct inspections, provide reports and do follow-up visits to ensure breaches are corrected.

She noted however that, "in government there is a process to go through to get the necessary approvals, to get that done."

Nevertheless, she asserted that "it is a priority for this ministry."

The heightened awareness of the issue has arisen from last Friday’s fire at a Fesco gas station in Mandeville in which one man died and several other persons were seriously injured.

Mrs Williams confirmed that the gas station was in compliance with safety regulations, at the time of the last inspection in November.