WILLEMSTAD – Parliament is holding a public meeting today to discuss the recent developments surrounding ORYX/VIGOR and Global Oil in relation to refinery operations on Curaçao. Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas is expected to brief Members of Parliament on the current status of the situation and the potential consequences for refinery activities.
The meeting was scheduled at the request of several MPs. Among them was Gilbert Doran of MFK, who in December raised questions about VIGOR, particularly concerning delayed payments to contractors. As a result of those payment issues, several companies reportedly had to vacate the Bullenbaai site.
Earlier this year, it was announced that 2Bays would not be able to continue its lease agreement with VIGOR. According to 2Bays, VIGOR’s outstanding debt had risen to approximately $12 million. During a joint press conference, 2Bays Managing Director Patrick Newton and Prime Minister Pisas confirmed that the lease contracts for Emmastad and Bullenbaai had been terminated.
Newton stated that VIGOR had consistently failed to meet its contractual obligations. He indicated that 2Bays had provided multiple opportunities for the company to rectify the situation, but payments remained outstanding and the debt burden continued to grow.
Prime Minister Pisas emphasized at the time that the termination of the lease agreement would not affect employees of CRU. The contract with VIGOR was ended due to non-compliance with essential conditions, including monthly lease payments and compensation for services provided by CRU.
During today’s public session, Parliament is expected to examine the roles of ORYX/VIGOR and Global Oil, assess the financial impact on refinery operations, and discuss the broader implications for Curaçao’s energy and port policy.
The debate comes at a critical moment for the island’s refinery sector, which has faced years of uncertainty and restructuring efforts aimed at restoring sustainable operations at Bullenbaai and Emmastad.