New documents discovered in a landmark human rights suit by EarthRights International against oil giant Chevron Corp. reveal that Chevron’s Nigerian subsidiary paid Nigerian soldiers who attacked the Nigerian villages of Opia and Ikenyan, killing several people and burning the villages to the ground. The new evidence comes as Chevron moves to take over Unocal Corp., whose Yadana pipeline project in Burma has been the subject of similar human rights lawsuits.
On the morning of January 4, 1999, villagers from Opia visited a Chevron facility seeking compensation for environmental damage caused by Chevron’s oil development, including harm to their fishing catch and drinking water. They were met by soldiers who fired warning shots and warned them not to return. Later that day, soldiers in helicopters leased by Chevron, accompanied by a Chevron employee, came to Opia and the nearby village of Ikenyan, shooting unarmed villagers and burning the villages.
Although Chevron had for years denied any role in the attacks, the new documents show that Chevron paid the Nigerian soldiers who carried out the attacks: a receipt shows a payment of 15,000 Nigerian naira for;
Services carried out by Capt. [redacted] and 22 Soldiers whom left from Escravos/Madangho to [illegible] attacks from Opia village on January 4, 1999.
Escravos is a Chevron facility. The document is available on ERI’s website.
Cindy Cohn of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, co-counsel on the case declared that,
We now have evidence from Chevron’s own records that in response to claims for compensation for environmental damage, Chevron paid soldiers to attack and destroy two villages, provided the helicopter and boats used and had its own security personnel participate.
Corporations who commit murder for economic gain are beneath contempt and must be brought to justice. If we haven’t got criminal laws to punish them in this country, we ought to get them.
At last night’s MCGP meeting we spent an hour and a half discussing the outcomes of the Tulsa meeting and debating the merits of the defeated GDI proposals and the continuing rift between ardent supporters for Nader/Camejo and Cobb. We spent about 30 minutes discussing topics such as support for the Maryland GP, outreach, membership, brochures and the development of the state platform. At one point in the meeting someone said that the MCGP still didn’t have anyone who had stepped forward to run for county council or any county office next year.
Our facilitator introduced the discussion on Steve Kramer’s report on Tulsa by saying that airing of the frustrations about the leadership of the GP and the past presidential nominations process are important and need to be discussed. I agree with that and appreciated learning from many of the comments that people shared. But I was distressed to see how little concern or attention is being given to the local party’s organization or capacity-building for participation in local elections.
To me, calling myself Green and arguing for Nader or Cobb doesn’t mean a thing if I don’t participate in decisionmaking bodies in my local area. People won’t join the MCGP if they don’t know what it stands for, and they won’t know that if we don’t take on leadership roles. Not many of us can afford (or want) to run for President, but many of us can begin educationg people about the value of the Green Party and common sense politics by joining a board or commission and demonstrating some green leadership.
Here are some current, local opportunities (for info, call Julie Pruett 240 777-2535, or go to the County Executives boards and commissions page):
Long Branch Advisory Committee of Silver Spring
County Executive Douglas M. Duncan is seeking applicants to fill 15 vacancies on the newly created Long Branch Advisory Committee of East Silver Spring. Members will serve a two year term. The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to continue the work of the Long Branch Task Force. The committee will advise the county staff on implementation of the residential and commercial revitalization of the Long Branch community. The committee will annually report to the County Executive and County Council on the progress of the revitalization. The Task Force will be composed of 15 members, including homeowners, educational, faith-based and/or civic association members, commercial property or business owners, renters, and representatives of non-profit organizations serving the Long Branch community. It is expected that the Advisory Committee will meet at least quarterly and work groups will also meet on specific projects as needed. Applicants should write by September 19 to County Executive Douglas M. Duncan at the Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, Maryland 20850 or send an e-mail to Douglas.Duncan@montgomerycountymd.gov. A brief resume including home and work telephone numbers should be enclosed.
Five Regional Recreation Advisory Boards
County Executive Douglas M. Duncan is seeking applicants to fill several vacancies on the Regional Recreation Advisory Boards in the Upcounty (four vacancies; three incumbents are eligible to reapply), Mid-County (four vacancies, two incumbents are eligible to reapply), Silver Spring (five vacancies, two incumbents are eligible to reapply), East County (two vacancies, the incumbents are eligible to reapply), and the Western area (four vacancies, four incumbents are eligible to reapply). Some of the positions are for alternates; and some of the positions are for partial terms. The regional recreation boards advise the County Executive, County Council, the director of the Department of Recreation and the Planning Board on regional recreation needs, encourages the development of desirable parks and recreational opportunities, and advises and makes recommendations to appropriate officials on matters concerning budgets, recreation programs, services, and facilities. Membership on the regional boards includes nine regular members and two alternates. Members must reside in one of the five regions of Montgomery County. Residents who live within the city limits of Rockville, Gaithersburg or Washington Grove are not eligible for appointment. Members serve three-year terms without compensation. Meetings are usually held the once a month in the evening in the respective geographic areas. To determine the region where you reside or for more specific information on the evening that the regional boards meet, please call 240-777-2535. Deadline: September 2.
Human Rights Commission
County Executive Douglas M. Duncan is seeking applicants to fill five vacancies on the Montgomery County Human Rights Commission. Two members are eligible for reappointment.
The 15-member commission promotes equal rights and opportunities for all persons. Commissioners are expected to serve on special or standing committees and participate in activities requiring involvement in the community. Commissioners serve on case review boards consisting of three individuals that consider and decide each complaint that the Director certifies to the Commission. Regular meetings are held the fourth Monday evening of each month in Rockville. Members serve 3 year terms without compensation. Appointed members are required to file a confidential financial disclosure statement within fifteen days of Council confirmation and annually thereafter. Deadline: September 12.
Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission
County Executive Douglas M. Duncan is seeking applicants to fill two public-at-large vacancies on the Montgomery County Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission. The incumbents are eligible to apply for reappointment. The 30-member Commission includes representatives of criminal justice agencies, local municipalities, judges, elected officials and the public-at-large. The Commission must evaluate the organization and adequacy of law enforcement and the administration of justice in the County. Members of the Commission serve without compensation. Meetings must be held at least four times per year and are typically held on Thursday mornings at 7:30 a.m. in Rockville. Members are also asked to serve on subcommittees. Deadline: September 2.
Cable Communications Advisory Committee
County Executive Douglas M. Duncan is seeking applicants to fill six vacancies on the Cable Communications Advisory Committee. One vacancy is for a partial term expiring in November 2006. Five members are eligible to apply for reappointment.
The Committee advises the County Executive and Council on franchise agreements between the County government and providers of cable television service. It also advises on the use of funds provided by cable operators to support local television programming and other cable related activities. Meetings are held the third Wednesday evening of each month in Rockville. Members serve three-year terms without compensation. Individuals selected for appointment must file a confidential financial disclosure statements within fifteen days of appointment and annually thereafter. Deadline: September 2.
Information on applying for the Merit System Protection Board (which is compensated about $6,000 a year) is available at the County Council site.