AN OFFICIAL from the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) warned Dr Jerry Emtage and his team of engineers that proceeding with the excavation of a site at Chelston Ridge, St Michael, was dangerous.
This, after Emtage solicited his services to conduct a 3D survey of the site and a hole under an apartment complex located above the land at nearby Arch Cot Terrace, Brittons Hill, St Michael.
The doctor recalled that Desmond Maynard, of C.O.Williams Construction Company, contacted him and told him to get to the site immediately and to “get this cave surveyed now” when the hole was revealed during excavation.
“I immediately called my office and had my secretary get in contact with the people at the Barbados Defence Force and others who were responsible for doing 3D surveys.”
Emtage explained he engaged the services of a Mr Jenkins and Captain Clarke of the BDF.
He said at meetings held on July 26 and 31 at the offices of engineers Mahy, Ridley & Hazzard Engineers Ltd., Clarke informed the panel that it was “unsafe building abounding the property”.
He was also aware that on August 3, work continued on the site but stated “I was under the impression that Captain Clarke was referencing to the above part”, adding that work continued away from the hole.
Pressed by Sergeant Peter Barrow, Emtage said he could not recall any statement either verbal or written from Clarke advising that work not continue.
“I engaged Mr Jenkins and Captain Clarke to give 3D surveys. I saw the cave. I didn’t see a report,” Emtage said.
He said his engineers also came up “with all sorts of options” to deal with the hole including placing steel bends and changing the footprint of the plan.
“I did not believe there was anything to be done to remedy what I saw.”
Asked by Coroner Faith Marshall-Harris if he tried to get in contact with the owner of the apartment building to warn of the possible danger, Emtage raised his voice and told the court: “If I seem a little tempered, it is because you are taking me back to a very painful time.”
“I did not think I had the requisite qualifications to report on the soundness of the building,” he said.
“Any remedy presented reconstituting the site was destined to fail and I wanted nothing more to do with it,” Emtage said. “I made attempts to call the Chief Town Planner, but he was out of the island. I understood that we had some responsibility but I did not have the requisite training.” (MB)
