29 Nov 2006

Vanuatu Greens keen to see accountability for oil waste dumping

4:49 pm on 29 November 2006

The leader of Vanuatu's Greens Confederation says a number of parties may have to take responsibility for the disposal of oil waste by P&O Cruises.

P&O is under pressure from Vanuatu authorities over claims its cruise liner the Pacific Star illegally dumped up to 500,000 litres of oil waste at a Port Vila dump site.

Police and the Vanuatu Maritime Authority are investigating the dumping, while stakeholders are considering a remediation plan with P&O.

Unlike some neighbouring ports, Vanuatu is not capable of properly processing such oil waste which is considered harmful to the environment.

The Greens leader, Moana Carcasses, says he'll fight to see those responsible are held accountable.

"What I'm doing is that Im' waiting for the last report that... I have several reports in my hand and I can put them in court if the government doesn't do so. I've met with the Minister responsible for environment and he says he's pushing his department to seek legal advice and also to measure the damage done and also to put a fine in front."

Moana Carcasses.