Ask Venezuela to take over chairmanship of Petrojam, Paulwell urges

Opposition Spokesman on Energy Phillip Paulwell has recommended that Venezuela be asked take over the chairmanship of  the board of  Petrojam, the Kingston based oil refinery that is owned jointly by Jamaica and the South American country.

Mr. Paulwell has made that recommendation despite the fact that a new Jamaican chairman and directors were appointed on Tuesday.

The previous local directors and chairman resigned on Monday amidst the controversy at the state run oil refinery.

In an interview with RJR News, Mr. Paulwell argued that, in order to ensure the smooth running of  operations at Petrojam, a Venezuelan should be at the helm at this time, particularly because, in his view, it will take some time for the new Jamaican directors to become properly understand the business “while the matter of the expansion of the expansion and upgrade of the refinery languishes.”

Howard Mitchell, President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica, has urged the board to quickly take action to reassure the public that activities at Petrojam are above board.

Petrojam's senior management and the Permanent Secretary in the energy ministry have been summoned to attend next week's meeting of the Cabinet to respond to allegations of  mismanagement.