Gabon and Surabaya

[HeadRat]

We are looking for ANYONE that worked in Gabon and/or Surabaya. A journalist is doing a story on what is going on with OBO/Aurora-GWI and we would like to know what went on there.

[Longrider]

I have a friend working at the Aurora site on the embassy at this time. They know it all, and at this time they tell me that the state dept, Justice dept and others are involved and on site because of the corruption and poor management. Many of the management heads have left and destroyed computer messages and documents before leaving, many of the local contractors have not been paid, armed security of Gabon immigration is involved. I will ask if they are willing to send us further information.

Edited by HeadRat

[mike mattare]

Can you give me the journalist's name and what is he looking to know?

[traveler]

I know your friend still working for Aurora in Gabon. As they are "still" employed by and being paid by them-it may be a bit "imprudent" of them to talk bad about them (even if it is justified) while accepting their pay. They are a vindictive lot and appear to have the same management philosophy as the HITT company folks had towards the workers after the Tirana Albania project.

Yes, fair question stated-who exactly (name please) is this journalist wishing the information and for what purpose (writing an article(s) about what exactly and WHY)??

HR-you have my personal data on file when I signed up for the site. I may want to contact this person(s) come Wednesday of next week or so. If I/we should decide to speak about Aurora, FKTC, OBO etc- all info is or will be "1st hand", no "rumors" or 2nd hand data and be "well worth the read".

Edited by HeadRat

[Longrider]

I believe this project was controlled by First Kuwaiti, and there is no chance in hell of the proper authorities EVER taking any sort of action against a Kuwaiti company.

[The Wild Rover]

Hey, are you guys a couple of Einsteins'...You know contractors read this stuff!
1) You should not post some of this stuff here. I now know where "they" are working, for who "they" are working, and how long "they" have left on site, 2 weeks. HeadRat: We have "pirate names" on here for a reason, treat your friends the same.
2) If I was on that site and vindictive as you say, I guess I could pretty much narrow down who you are talking about.
3) I would suggest changing your user name, because now you have named yourselves. It is easier to implicate you or your friend... for example
" We got a resume from this guy looking for work. Do you know him?" they answer "Yes, is he applying for a job?". Bingo, they got them! Way to go guys!:blahslap
Lets try to protect "their" identity, although now it may be too late..

[HeadRat]

WR, VERY good points, I thought of that earlier but spaced. I have edted to protect the innocent.

The Reporter is Warren Strobel and he/they are looking into the Aurora company. Apparently, they are the ones that bought the overseas division of Grunley Walsh, but is a front company for First Kuwait.

Warren is doing a lot of investigating and writing on the failed governement division: OBO and a current article is posted here:

http://washingtonbureau.typepad.com/nationalsecurity/2008/10/wrote.html

Just as always, Rat Pack International is working to get these companies in line, especially when it comes to the treatment of the workers.

[mexfishguide]

I talked to Warren ( by email ) last week. If you folks will remember he is one of the guys that got our OBO "friends" ? Relieved from their post. He seems to me, to be very aggessive!!!!!!:rockwoot: You guys that have some thing to say about these projects, he will listen and respond - you can protect your ID with him - but I repeat as above, on our site here - please use a nickname ( handle ) if you will. Use a lot of caution !!!!!

Take Care
Mexfishguide:cheers

[Longrider]

I am thoroughly chagrined for having lapsed in my usual cautious paranoia, and you guys are correct in taking me to task for it. **goes to examine other pseudo names**

[HeadRat]

Email me with the new one when you think of it and I'll make the changes.

[Voyager222]

All....I'd be really careful before saying anything to anyone about these projects as exciting as it may be. From what I understand there has been general consensus between all parties involved to clean house and move forward; this house cleaning is not limited to Aurora. This means many people who once had jobs may not any longer; and in some cases these are not people other project managers will wish to hire once details are investigated. In the meantime, I expect that the ones looking for other jobs are also the ones talking and talking.....

[The Wild Rover]

All....I'd be really careful before saying anything to anyone about these projects as exciting as it may be. From what I understand there has been general consensus between all parties involved to clean house and move forward; this house cleaning is not limited to Aurora. This means many people who once had jobs may not any longer; and in some cases these are not people other project managers will wish to hire once details are investigated. In the meantime, I expect that the ones looking for other jobs are also the ones talking and talking.....

I think it would be prudent to keep names, and identities out, but specifics, wrong doings and scrupulous actions should be talked about freely, especially if something is done un-ethically and against building codes, standards and principles.
If something has been done to the work-force that was against OSHA standards, or done against U.S. labor laws, we should have it out on the table for all to see and discuss. We owe it to the individuals to be treated with respect, and to protect their identities, regardless if they are right or wrong...

[Longrider]

Turns out (not to be dodging a bullet) that my friend is no longer with that group and is back hope, just e-mailed to apologize and they didn't know (or care) what I was talking about. Lucky me.

[HeadRat]

Back to the topic at hand please.

[mysterious]

I KNOW WHATZ GOING ON IN SURABAYA!:LolLolLol:LolLolLol

[mexfishguide]

OK ( mysterious) newbie, let us hear from you! What is going on there? Bunch of low life trying to screw us!!!!!:wtf . I would like one of you guys ro confirm is OBO / DOS, on site investing the management? And if so what is the decision for the firm that will complete the projects?

Take Care
Mexfishguide:cheers

[traveler]

Mex.

To answer (even if partially) your questions, NO-OBO is not investigating the Management at Gabon (another entity is or so I have been reliably informed) and since this is ongoing-I doubt anything will be said here about it.

I do not know of another company in Gabon to finish that project-Guess it is the same 2 (Aurora and FKTC) still plodding along. Maybe "mysterious" can shed some light on Surabaya and Gabon.

How about it "mysterious"-what's up??

[AK49]

When this subject first came up here at RPI i was disconnected of the subject, now a fellow rat brother mentions we have no access here at this facility anymore:wtf i've found access now and have read the posts. I find myself wondering if there isn't a witch hunt of sorts and some body or bodys loose there clearences.
This reporter who ever he is, they'll be your best friend till the shit flys and you'll be left holding the fan.
WHo ever is out there talking to this guy watch your ass. Considering the players i don't think anything warm and fuzzy is going to come out of this. Good luck

[bkremhelmer]

As I understand this, there is an annonymous reporter and a member who claims to have knowledge of what is wrong in Surabaya, and neither will identify themselves or their information. I can not give credibility to either. My thoughts are, you stand up and stand behind your "information", or just sit and be quiet. To state that "you know what is wrong" and then not bring forth the information, is childish. Information is critical to any job to help keep that project on track.
As of right now, we only have rumors and conjecture. This site was suppose to be an informational site, not one that perpetuates mis-information or a site that is to draw attention to any individual because they are in the "know". Share it or be quiet. If this "reporter" can't or won't be identified, then we are just on a holloween witch hunt. HR needs to consider wether we should continue down this path.

[mexfishguide]

Fellow if you are not a sub scriber on our site??? You do not recieve but only a small portion of job reports. :wtf. We are for and about - international work _ dedicated to helping our fellow rats, be informed of what to expect on what project. Do not condeim if you are not on the inside. This reporter is well identified and has worked with us in the past. It is easy to subscribe just contact HR.

God bless the USA.

Take Care
mexfishguide:cheers
camp - fish - hunt - drink beer.:rockwoot:

[HeadRat]

As I understand this, there is an annonymous reporter and a member who claims to have knowledge of what is wrong in Surabaya, and neither will identify themselves or their information. I can not give credibility to either. My thoughts are, you stand up and stand behind your "information", or just sit and be quiet. To state that "you know what is wrong" and then not bring forth the information, is childish. Information is critical to any job to help keep that project on track.
As of right now, we only have rumors and conjecture. This site was suppose to be an informational site, not one that perpetuates mis-information or a site that is to draw attention to any individual because they are in the "know". Share it or be quiet. If this "reporter" can't or won't be identified, then we are just on a holloween witch hunt. HR needs to consider wether we should continue down this path.Go back to the first page, I posted the reporters name and even the company he is working for to do the reporting.

[beer99]

My name is Warren Strobel, I cover foreign policy and the State Department for McClatchy Newspapers, the nation's 3rd-largest newspaper chain. Wrote a lot last year about the problems with OBO and NEC Baghdad.

There are a lot of rumors flying about the projects in Gabon and Surabaya, and I'm merely trying to figure out what is true. ... At the minimum, they seem like they are seriously behind schedule.

I've never blown an anonymous source in my 20-plus year career, and am not about to start. Feel free to contact me at wstrobel2@yahoo.com

You can check out our website at www.mcclatchydc.com

Regards to all, and thanks to the HeadRat:2cents
Warren

[mexfishguide]

Warren, Glad to see you on site.
Short while ago I posted here, that I thought identy was safe with you.
Guys Warren was a big help in straghtening the people in charge of OBO, and the Baghdad project out. If you have info please let him have it.

Take Care :cheers
Mexfishguide

[HeadRat]

Warren, it's safe to assume you will be posting up a link to the article when you are finished? :cheers

[beer99]

I will definitely post a link when the story is done. May be a while, depending how things go....:cheers