Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (Barbados): Farmers upset at Shell: “In spite of the outcome, Shell says it remains open and committed to working with the farmers association and relevant authorities to resolve all issues relating to the leaking pipeline.”: Posted Thursday 24 November 2005  

Barbadian farmers at Gibbons Boggs and Chancery Lane, Christ Church are upset over a decision by multi-national giant Shell to abruptly leave a meeting it called to discuss compensation claims.

These farmers who are members of the Southern Farmers Association, went to the meeting at Graeme Hall last night along with their lawyers.

They are trying to reach an accord with Shell on compensation for a leakage in a fuel oil line that allegedly erupted and allowed jet oil into their irrigation system.

Shell says bringing their lawyers was a breach in the agreement in conditions laid down for talks with the farmers.

The oil company says its lawyers were not present at the talks and as a result it could not continue with the meeting.

President of the Southern Farmers Association Jacqueline Bartlett says they went to the meeting in good faith to hammer out the matter with Shell.

Ralph Thorne is one of the two attorneys representing the farmers.

Farmer Egbert Maloney says he's angered at the development.

Mr. Thorne says the matter is before the law courts and they will make representation to Shell on it.

In a release on the matter Shell said it called the meeting to update the group on Shell's plan of action for the aviation pipeline.

It says the meeting was to maintain communication and to work with the farmers towards arriving at an amicable solution to any of their concerns.

In spite of the outcome, Shell says it remains open and committed to working with the farmers association and relevant authorities to resolve all issues relating to the leaking pipeline. 

Click here to return to ShellNews.net HOME PAGE