Shell blasted amid poverty, conflict
Social Action accuses Shell of handing out payments for so-called security contracts to rival factions on opposing sides, who used the money to buy more weapons and ammunition to sustain the conflict.
Extracts from an article published on 20 March 2014 by WAR ON WANT
Shell will come under fire on Saturday, World Water Day, when a Nigerian campaigner speaks out in London against the Anglo-Dutch corporation exploiting oil, as thousands of people face grim hardship, including lack of running water.
The criticism will be launched by Celestine Akpobari, from the organisation Social Action, ally to the Niger Delta community of Rumuekpe, which lacks running water, electricity, basic drainage systems, or any school.
With huge oil wealth in Rumuekpe’s territory, the community should rank among the most well-off anywhere.
But its 20,000 residents suffer dire poverty, and for over 50 years Shell has pumped countless barrels of oil from installations in Rumuekpe, racking up substantial profits.
One resident, Emeka Eke, said: “From the day Shell arrived here, until today, you will not find one person from Rumuekpe employed by Shell, nor at any of the other oil companies.”
Traditional subsistence agriculture has grown increasingly futile for residents in Rumuekpe, following decades of oil spills and acid rain caused by Shell’s illegal gas flaring.
While the plunder of its resources and degradation of the environment have devastated the community, the destruction has been fuelled by deadly armed conflict.
Social Action accuses Shell of handing out payments for so-called security contracts to rival factions on opposing sides, who used the money to buy more weapons and ammunition to sustain the conflict.
The conference – The New Frontlines of War: Corporations, Conflict & Community Resistance – takes place from 11 am to 6 pm at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA. Admission is free. Register at waronwant.org/frontlines or call 020 7324 5040
Shell will come under fire on Saturday, World Water Day, when a Nigerian campaigner speaks out in London against the Anglo-Dutch corporation exploiting oil, as thousands of people face grim hardship, including lack of running water.
The criticism will be launched by Celestine Akpobari, from the organisation Social Action, ally to the Niger Delta community of Rumuekpe, which lacks running water, electricity, basic drainage systems, or any school.
With huge oil wealth in Rumuekpe’s territory, the community should rank among the most well-off anywhere.
But its 20,000 residents suffer dire poverty, and for over 50 years Shell has pumped countless barrels of oil from installations in Rumuekpe, racking up substantial profits.
One resident, Emeka Eke, said: “From the day Shell arrived here, until today, you will not find one person from Rumuekpe employed by Shell, nor at any of the other oil companies.”
Traditional subsistence agriculture has grown increasingly futile for residents in Rumuekpe, following decades of oil spills and acid rain caused by Shell’s illegal gas flaring.
While the plunder of its resources and degradation of the environment have devastated the community, the destruction has been fuelled by deadly armed conflict.
Social Action accuses Shell of handing out payments for so-called security contracts to rival factions on opposing sides, who used the money to buy more weapons and ammunition to sustain the conflict.
The conference – The New Frontlines of War: Corporations, Conflict & Community Resistance – takes place from 11 am to 6 pm at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA. Admission is free. Register at waronwant.org/frontlines or call 020 7324 5040
Shell expands Gulf of Mexico portfolio
Article published 20 March 2014 by PennEnergy (from a Shell Press Release) under the headline: “Shell expands Gulf of Mexico portfolio in Lease Sale 231“
Shell continues to build upon a strong position in the Central Gulf of Mexico and is the apparent high bidder on 4 blocks during today’s US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Lease Sale 231. Shell bid on a total of 8 blocks and exposed approximately $100,000,000. Shell was the apparent high bidder on 4 blocks, totaling approximately $45,543,721, including a key block that will consolidate Shell’s position in the greater Appomattox/Vicksburg area.
Shell continues exploration of the Norphlet play on the basis of its promising giant Appomattox and adjacent Vicksburg discoveries.
While the Gulf of Mexico has been explored for many years, there is still much to discover and we are pleased with today’s Lease Sale results,” said Mark Shuster, Shell Executive Vice President Exploration. “The Gulf of Mexico is a major production area in the US, accounting for almost 50% of our oil and gas production in the country. We look forward to building on our long, successful history there.
Shell cracker plant fate still unknown
Extract from a Rachel Morgan article published Friday 21 March 2014 by The New York Times
HOPEWELL TWP. — Shell Oil Co. is still staying mum — at least for a little while longer. Shell officials met with officials from the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, local elected officials and two Beaver County commissioners Thursday at the Club at Shadow Lakes to discuss Shell’s proposed $2.5 billion petrochemical plant in Potter Township. Media were not allowed to attend.
The TRUTH will set you FREE.
