WILLEMSTAD - Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath is relieved that several proposals have been submitted by companies that want to become the new strategic partner of the refinery.

According to the premier, more than one proposal has been submitted. Negotiations will continue with those companies.

Rhuggenaath said recently that he was confident that a definitive contract could be signed with the new refinery tenant in November of this year. Names of companies that are still under negotiation may not be disclosed until that time, Rhuggenaath said again yesterday.