Members of Pike Corporation’s technical team who were working on the upgrade of the transmission and distribution network on New Providence have left town after the shooting death of their colleague, Cody Castillo, 31, on March 21, The Nassau Guardian understands.
The workers have reportedly expressed concerns for their safety after the killing outside Da Plantation Bar and Grill in the western part of the island.
The Guardian learned that Pike is now trying to get new workers onto the island to continue its work. It is unclear just how much the departure of the other workers has impacted the company’s work.
Castillo, a linesman at Pike Corporation, was shot inside the company’s truck. A video purportedly showing the aftermath of the shooting was shared on social media.
The shooting generated widespread attention locally and also in the American media.
Superintendent Berneil Pinder, 51, who served as the second-in-command at the Western Police Station, was charged with murder several days after the shooting.
Following the incident, the United States Embassy in Nassau called for justice in the matter.
“We urge the government of The Bahamas to ensure the victim receives justice in this case without delay,” an embassy spokespersons said.
US Ambassador Herschel Walker said he was pleased to see that charges were brought against the officer.
“The protection and well-being of American citizens will always be the highest priority of any Embassy, and we will continue to seek justice in this case and all cases where our citizens have been the victims of crime,” Walker stated.
The workers were brought in after the government entered into an agreement with Pike Corporation’s Bahamian entity, Island Grid Solutions, to upgrade the T&D network on New Providence.
The original plan involved seconding Bahamas Power and Light workers to a newly-formed company, Bahamas Grid Company, to carry out the work but the Bahamian workers did not take up the offer.
