WILLEMSTAD – Tensions between the Curaçao government and Vigor Midstream Inc. have escalated in recent days. The company, which has operated the refinery since July 1, is now facing the possibility of being removed from the Isla site due to overdue payments owed to 2Bays, CRU, and several contractors.
Prime Minister Gilmar ‘Pik’ Pisas stated that Vigor is failing to meet its financial obligations and has not honored agreements previously made. A delegation from 2Bays recently traveled to London for talks with Vigor’s leadership, but the company’s owner did not attend the meeting. That absence, the prime minister said, only deepened his frustration. Pisas added that he feels misled because earlier proposals from Vigor do not match what is currently being delivered.
Despite these concerns, the government cannot simply intervene, Pisas noted, as local employees and contractors are still awaiting payment. For now, he said the situation remains “status quo,” though dissatisfaction within the government is growing due to the slow progress and continued lack of payments.