Samsung team to visit Jamaica for LNG talks

A team from South Korean company Samsung is to visit the island this week to hold talks with the government on its LNG project.

Samsung has emerged as the preferred bidder for the development and operation of the LNG floating storage and re-gasification terminal.

It is understood that Samsung has written to the Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell asking for a meeting with him and all the parties involved.

Paulwell has admitted that after three months, a formal deal is yet to be struck with Samsung.

He stressed that the negotiation is a process and the government is proceeding with caution.

The government had projected to introduce LNG by 2014 but there are doubts that this timeline may be achieved because the administration is yet to secure a supplier of the LNG.

There are also fears that the current cost of the fuel may prohibit the government from realising its aim of reducing the cost of electricity by 30 per cent.

Paulwell said he is awaiting the final report from the LNG steering committee, which is due this month.

He added that after reviewing the report, the government will indicate its position going forward.

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