Unfortunate Updates

Funny enough, I wrote the last post and ever since then, all we've heard about is Gabonisation.  I do want to make one clarification.  I mentioned that the worker's union and government in Gabon were working towards having 90% of all positions filled by Gabonese people.  I failed to mention that does not count the fact that they want all executive positions to be held by locals as well.

This week we've been told that the worker's union is unhappy with the progress thus far and they want the process of Gabonisation sped up.  The president has asked them to be patient and tried to explain that these things take time but that did not subside the frustrations and they have announced a strike to begin Sunday at midnight.  From what I hear, this affects every aspect of every oil company and service company right down to the gas stations.  We've been told to fill up the cars and make sure anything needed from the office is brought home as there will be absolutely no access once the strike begins.  Apparently, police will patrol the buildings and escort you out if you are there.  No one knows how long it might last.

On top of all of that...

Joe and I were to head to South Africa tomorrow.  We were having issues with his passport renewal and I was working frantically for the last week and a half to ensure that it gets here in time for our flight tomorrow night.  While it seems I've succeeded, unfortunately Joe will not be here.  He went offshore a week ago yesterday to run a job that has of course, encountered several problems and the job has stretched from being a few days to a couple of weeks.  The base here is ridiculously understaffed and there is no one to replace Joe so we are forced to postpone our holiday.

Trust me, I'm not happy about this especially after all of the other issues we are dealing with right now but there is really nothing I can do about it.  I have been working all day on rescheduling everything for exactly one week later than planned and am hoping to see it all come together this afternoon.  We certainly need this holiday now more than ever!