Bermuda Water Consultants (BWC) have been asked to re-examine the air quality at Hamilton Police Station following claims that it is contaminated with mould.

Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Wright announced this afternoon that inspections of that building and Somerset Police Station would begin today.

Jack Thrasher and Michael Pugliese conducted tests on behalf of Detective Constable Emmerson Donald, who is suing Government over sickness he claims was caused by mould.

Dr. Thrasher later told The Royal Gazette: “The condition of Hamilton Police Station is such that the officers who work in the station should be wearing protective breathing masks in order to protect themselves from the air contamination resulting from the microbial growth in the building. The building should be torn down. It is not habitable.”

Said Mr. Wright: “The Bermuda Police Service has a long-established relationship with local experts [BWC] to periodically test the quality of our air and water at Bermuda Police Service occupied buildings. Since 2006 the Bermuda Police Service has spent $78,000 on that testing program that has included every building that we occupy. This testing program also includes follow-up inspections conducted in 2008.”

He continued: “In light of the concerns reported in the media today, the Commissioner has ordered that another follow-up inspection of Hamilton and Somerset Police Stations be conducted by BWC as an independent company not connected with the current civil litigation. Discussions with the management of BWC were conducted first thing this morning and I am pleased to report that the testing will commence immediately… today."

For the full story read tomorrow's Royal Gazette.