WILLEMSTAD - The unions Sentral di Sindikatonnan di Kòrsou (SSK) and Sentral Solidaridat Sindikal (SSS) have criticized the government for the lack of clarity regarding the reopening of the refinery. Although the government previously indicated that reopening the refinery was a priority, this no longer seems to be an option.
Minister of Traffic, Transport, and Urban Planning, Charles Cooper (MFK), stated that the refinery would not operate as it did before, partly due to the opening of fifteen new refineries in the region. Additionally, the Oryx Group, which has a thirty-year lease agreement with the refinery, has indicated that refining is not part of their objectives.
Union leaders Edward St. Jacobs and Frensley Sillé expressed their disappointment, pointing to the failed expectations among workers and suppliers who had hoped for a reopening. Both are calling for transparency from the government, especially since workers were asked to register in anticipation of the reopening.
There are also concerns about the collaboration with Global Oil for managing the asphalt plant. Questions remain about the production and processing of other products like gasoline and kerosene. "The government needs to clearly communicate its future plans for the refinery," stated Sillé.