Comments on: ISLA Refinery of Curacao: Highs and Lows Part 2

By: Rajvee

Rajvee — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:56:29 +0000

Today the Isla employees are on a temporary strike because they are not happy with how the Curacao government is not taking seriously the concerns and issues with the Venezuelan government. The Curacao government is also not seriously addressing Venezuela’s concern with the many US soldiers that are now based at the Parera US military base. Due to the strike, trucks that haul gasoline are not being let in and out of the gates of the refinery so there could be a shortage of gas depending on how long the strike lasts. As you may have already noticed there are large lineups of cars at almost every gas station on the island because people believe that in 2 weeks there will be no gas. However, there is about a good month of supply and by then the strike may be over.

I am not happy that the government of Curacao is not making it a priority to think about what it can do about this problem. This could be a perfect opportunity to determine the best method of action for the management of the ISLA and could possibly make some deal that benefits Curacao with the Venezuelan government. Many people are not happy with how the Curacao government is handling this situation and how they are almost disregarding the problem altogether.

By: Rajvee

Rajvee — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:29:47 +0000

@ Jeany- Wow this is great news. Let’s hope that PDVSA actually does withdraw. If this happens, it will hopefully create a monumental change for Curacao.

By: Jeany

Jeany — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 02:00:49 +0000

@ Ravjee: Maybe our dreams will come true soon?!

Venezuelan oil company PDVSA may withdraw from Curaçao

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N27189447.htm

By: Sebastiaan

Sebastiaan — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:50:17 +0000

@ Sharyles I wish somebody would admire my work I planted a lot of trees and plants in my garden the past year, does that count???

By: sharyles

sharyles — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:51:49 +0000

@ Rajvee
I really admire your work. Keep it up you are doing good!!
I´m praying everyday for them to close down Isla. The ground of Isla we can surely us it for Concentrated Solar Power plant (CSP).

greetz

By: Rajvee

Rajvee — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:13:30 +0000

@ Hans I did find a similar number from a more reliable source, MCB bank annual report 2006 and I do apologize for being inaccurate in this case. Thanks for pointing that out. The change will be made shortly and the reference added.

By: Rajvee

Rajvee — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:06:03 +0000

@ Hans I will check out your reference if possible. Perhaps my reference may not be very reliable in this case. I found this information from Caribseek Curacao which I have referenced appropriately. The specific info is on this site http://www.caribseek.com/Curacao/curacao-history-post-world-war-II.shtml and I was following a particular claim there which states: “During this same period, Curaçao experienced some serious economic readjustments. Employment at the oil refinery reached its peak in the early 1950s, when close to 20,000 people were employed there at any one time.”

Even if you are right, the current employment situation at the refinery is very low compared to the number that you have provided. I have compiled information about the Isla from many different online sources in order to highlight the fact that the refinery is no longer beneficial to the people and island of Curacao. I try my best to provide reliable information and source it appropriately.

By: hans van hulst

hans van hulst — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:48:53 +0000

Het is zonder meer positief dat jullie aandacht hebben voor de Isla-problematiek. Voor alle duidelijkheid: die ecologische ramp moet weg.
Alleen: doe het dan goed. Baseer je op betrouwbare bronnen. Wie iets over de geschiedenis van de Isla wil vermelden kan niet heen om de daaromtrent bestaande “bijbel”: Jaap van Soest, Olie als water. De Curaçaose economie in de eerste helft van de twintigste eeuw, Zutphen: De Walburg Pers 1977, ISBN 906011.452.3. Op pag 521 staat dat op het hoogtepunt van de Isla, 1952, 12.631 mensen op de betaalrol van “de olie” stonden. Jullie noemen een aantal van 20.000! (zonder duidelijke bronvermelding!). Iedereen kan fouten maken, maar deze fout overschrijdt elke toelaatbare marge. En dat is jammer, want daardoor durf ik ook jullie overige cijfers omtrent economische e.a. aspecten van de huidige ISla niet te “geloven”, alhoewel ze best zouden kunnen kloppen.
Vriendelijke groet
Hans van Hulst

By: webmaster

webmaster — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:54:18 +0000

And it’s changed. Thanks Ben

By: Rajvee

Rajvee — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:47:33 +0000

Oh thanks for pointing that error out Ben. Yes it is supposed to be renewable energy. My apologies.