Indarsingh: Bulbs fail to brighten economic, industrial darkness

Couva South MP Rudranath Indarsingh said prayers was needed for the Point Lisas Industrial Estate and the economy ahead of the 2020 budget presentation on October 5.

His statement came after Nutrien’s announcement on Tuesday of the indefinite closure of one of its four ammonia plants.

In a media release, Indarsingh said another 15 per cent of the workforce was displaced, and the announcement represented another disastrous omen for the country’s economy, mere weeks ahead of the sixth budget presentation of Dr Rowley’s administration.

“To date, industrial activity has suffered under the Keith Rowley-led administration. This latest PCS Nutrien shutdown follows similar or worse shutdowns by ArcelorMittal, Methanol Holdings, Centrin, Yara, Methanex Titan, Tube City, Proman M3 Methanol and Stork who have close down their respective plants and sent workers home.”

Indarsingh called on Energy Minister Franklin Khan and the National Gas Company to reconsider their approach to the negotiation of gas pricing for the downstream sectors.

“I acknowledge the need of the State to emerge with a price which is beneficial to the State, but it is in the interest of companies, plants and their employees, that the price of gas be affordable enough to sustain and expand economic activity and jobs.

He alleged that the distribution of LED light bulbs was another distraction by the government from the country’s economic challenges.

“While the Government cheapens the intelligence of the population through the non-essential distribution of bulbs, the essential security of jobs and essential stimulation of the economy is non-existent.

“(Tuesday’s) distribution of bulbs can do nothing to illuminate the gloomy economic and industrial darkness brought upon this nation by (the) Prime Minister.”

Indarsingh noted that government’s failure to adjust its gas pricing policy and approach to negotiations will see the closure of more plants on the estate.