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Contact:
Claudia Monlouis
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Signing to
Agreement between Hess Oil and the Government of Saint Lucia |
Thursday, July 26, 2007 – Saint Lucia's long running relationship with
HESS Corporation may have realised its biggest gesture of confidence yet, with
the re- visitation of a 1977 agreement signed between the corporate giant and
the Caribbean island some thirty years ago.
Prime Minister Sir John Compton, Acting Prime Minister Honourable Stephenson
King and other members of cabinet joined HESS OIL officials on Tuesday, July
24th at the official residence of the Prime Minister at Vigie, where the signing
took place.
Chairman of the Board and CEO of HESS Corporation John Hess (son of deceased
Leon Hess) said the agreement heralds a new chapter in an old relationship with
the country. He said the cooperation started by Sir John and his father is a
tradition he is happy to continue.
“ We're honoured to have had thirty years of business here. The terminal that we
have for oil transshipment started in business in 1981 and it continues in
business today. The special agreement that we have now, we're honoured to extend
at least for 50 years, and have it be the foundation not only for an oil
transshipment terminal, but gives us the economic framework to attract hopefully
a partner for a world class merchant oil refinery which is very much needed in
the world today,” he said.
Acting Prime Minister Honourable Stephenson King said HESS Corporation has
remained a steadfast partner in the development of Saint Lucia's human resource.
“Throughout our country there are landmarks; there are signatures of the green
and white which represent HESS in this country, and therefore your cooperation
has made a significant contribution not only to our economic development and
advancement but also to our educational fabric; notably the many children who
received an education by your building of schools throughout the country in some
of the remotest communities,” Mr. King said.
The new cooperation agreement between the Government of Saint Lucia and HESS
Corporation has a life of some 50 years.
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