WILLEMSTAD - The Prime Minister of Curaçao emphasized that the negotiations for a new operator of the refinery are now entering crucial weeks. The negotiations with the American company Klesch Group are now in the final phase, said the premier in a recent press conference.
Everything is aimed at signing an agreement as quickly as possible with the exclusive candidate who is to take over the refinery from Refineria Isla, a subsidiary of the Venezuelan state oil company PdVSA, which has been at the helm of the refinery since mid-eighties.
The premier said that the goal is to provide more clarity for the December holidays.
“Not just to remove uncertainty from Isla employees and contract workers, but from the entire population of Curaçao.”
But while the negotiations are still ongoing, no details can be disclosed. Parties have to adhere to non-disclosure agreements and that is why what is discussed must be kept as classified.
Rhuggenaath regrets that information is still leaking outside, such as about a plan B for the "worst case scenario" if no strategic partner was found on 1 January. Cases are taken out of context or are not relevant. “This causes unnecessary unrest,” said the premier.
Moreover, all efforts are now focused on what is best for Curaçao and that is an agreement with the Klesch Group as far as the government is concerned. Negotiations for Curaçao are conducted by government-owned company Refineria di Kòrsou (RdK) and the Project Management Organization (PMO). It is a complicated process.
“Both parties can decide not to proceed, but that is not the case at the moment. Slowly but surely we come closer together. That is done on the basis of trust and by fulfilling agreements.”
It is precisely at this crucial moment that the built-up trust is not harmed. Prime Minister Rhuggenaath therefore calls for solidarity to bring the process to a successful conclusion.
“We have to join forces to get the best out of it. We also have something to offer; Bullen Bay, a refinery, a strategic location, human resources. These are our strengths and we must focus on that.”
