WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao Oil Refinery Complex (Corc) speaks of a new phase on the way to a final agreement with Refineria di Kòrsou (RdK). The acquisition of the refinery could be completed in three or four weeks. What it's all about is 'trust'.
That was the core of the message from CORC director Manoel Da Silva De Freitas Parliament. De Freitas, who together with Javier Hernández forms the management of the local company, gave a presentation and answered the questions of the Members of Parliament.
"Trust, that's the key word," said De Freitas. He also asks that of the Curaçao parliament. “Our only goal is to reopen the refinery. We have developed a strategy for this and we will not deviate from it.” This week, an important step was taken in which agreements were made about a Nuisance Act permit.
But in order to really get started, a party must be found that is willing to invest more than a billion dollars in the start-up and renovation of the installations.
Earlier, the contract with the Brazilian partner, Roberto Viana, was terminated because it could not demonstrate that it had sufficient funds ('proof of funds') and oil ('proof of product'). Now there are at least three groups that are interested in investing in the refinery in Curaçao. De Freitas cannot disclose the names. These are investment companies that are listed on the stock exchange. “If we go public about the negotiations, it could have direct consequences for the value of the shares. We are bound by a non-disclosure agreement.” The CORC director asks the MPs 'to be patient for another two, three weeks'. “The moment we sign a contract, we will announce the names.”