Peter Phillips, Member of Parliament for St Lucy, has called for a public apology from the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) following controversial remarks by a senior official. The official had asserted that the discoloured, brown water affecting northern residents was safe to drink, a statement Phillips described as ‘careless and insensitive.’
During a House of Assembly debate on legislation granting land ownership to River Bay residents, Phillips criticized the comments as ‘unfortunate’ and ‘disrespectful.’ He emphasized that St Lucy residents have endured unreliable and discoloured water supplies for years, making the official’s remarks particularly offensive.
Phillips urged the official to retract the statement and apologize to the people of St Lucy. ‘I ain’t going to drink brown water. None of us in here would do it,’ he declared. ‘Withdraw that statement and apologise to the people of St Lucy for that comment.’
The controversy stems from a recent press conference where Acting CEO of the BWA, Christopher Mapp, claimed the discoloured water in St Lucy and St Peter was potable. ‘All indications show that the water is safe for consumption,’ Mapp stated. ‘Would I feel comfortable drinking it? Yes.’ However, he acknowledged that others might not share his comfort level.
The BWA has faced significant public criticism over persistent complaints of brown water in northern parishes. Mapp revealed that the authority has invested nearly $20 million in mains replacement, including $7 million since April, with the project expected to conclude by early 2026. Water quality technologist Jatobi Greaves confirmed that tests showed the water met health and safety standards, attributing the discolouration to sediment that does not compromise safety.
Phillips acknowledged the BWA’s efforts to improve water supply but stressed that the official’s comments had caused unnecessary distress. ‘That same officer is working hard as head of the mains replacement team to better the situation in St Lucy,’ he said. ‘It is just a mistake, and I would ask him simply to come, apologise, and let us move forward.’
Phillips highlighted the importance of reliable access to clean water, especially as the government moves to grant land ownership to residents. ‘In order for the people to enjoy life and truly be happy, there are a number of amenities that must be in place,’ he said. ‘One of those amenities is clean, running, proper water.’
He also addressed other pressing issues in St Lucy, including road repairs, coastal damage from Hurricane Beryl, and the condition of Crab Hill roads. Phillips assured residents that he is collaborating with government ministries to resolve these challenges. ‘My voice will not be silent if there are issues that affect the people of St Lucy and the issues go unaddressed,’ he vowed.