WILLEMSTAD – Opposition party PAR is demanding an explanation from Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas regarding the sudden dismissal of hundreds of contractor employees at the Bullenbaai oil terminal. According to PAR faction leader Quincy Girigorie, workers were abruptly ordered to stop their duties and hand in their access passes, leaving only staff from Curaçao Refinery Utilities (CRU) still employed at the site.

The decision was made by VIGOR, formerly known as Oryx, the company appointed by the government to manage both the Isla refinery in Emmastad and the Bullenbaai terminal. VIGOR reportedly justified the move by citing the tense political and military situation between Venezuela and the United States, which it said had halted available work activities.

The affected workers have described the measure as disrespectful and say they feel abandoned. Girigorie has called on the prime minister to clarify how many contractor employees have been sent home since March, how many remain employed, and whether there is any prospect of them returning to their jobs. He also pressed for details on whether CRU staff will retain their positions and what specific duties they are carrying out at Bullenbaai.

Girigorie further pointed out that 2Bays Curaçao, the parent company of the refinery, Bullenbaai, and CRU, has not yet issued a public response. The PAR is asking the government to disclose what investments VIGOR has made since taking over operations and whether any agreements exist to safeguard employment.

According to the party, urgent clarity is needed so that employees, their families, and the wider community know where they stand.