Gas deal a master stroke by the PM

THE EDITOR: The Dragon gas deal was highly praised by our business chambers when it was first struck. It is indeed a good deal. However, now that we are learning that the gas cannot be paid for in cash, but in goods and services, I would have expected these chambers to tell us how we can pay for it since we have no goods to export outside of energy.

Well here is my layman economist take. Remember some years ago our Prime Minister made a trip to Ghana and he struck a deal for purchasing tasty Ghanaian yams? Now he has an opportunity of making good on that deal by purchasing the yams and exporting them to Venezuela as payment. Ghana would be glad for the sale, Venezuela would be glad for the food, and our PM would be hailed. It’s a win-win situation for all.

As a bonus, on the way to Ghana the PM can offer free passage to all those who are seeking reparation. On the return the plane can stop in Trinidad for refuelling and pick up a load of Venezuelans who desperately wish to return home.

How many birds will our PM have killed with one stone?

Incidentally, I hope some of the revenue from the gas deal can be used to provide the nation with a reliable pipe-borne water supply. I have been hearing this “water for all” year after year for decades now and I believe this Prime Minister will deliver.

Hats off to our PM, a visionary.

JOSH PEERAI

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