Tag: petrotrin

Petrotrin must be upgraded

THE EDITOR: When the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery was fully operational, Petrotrin supplied TT, and much of the Caribbean, with a complete suite of refined petroleum products: LPG, unleaded gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, diesel, fuel oil, bitumen, sulphur, and base lubricants. We were self-sufficient. We were exporters. We were a regional powerhouse.

All of that ended with the 2018 shutdown.

But as the global energy landscape shifts, it is now glaringly obvious: a modernised refinery is not optional, it is a strategic necessity.

First, we have the scientific and industrial base to produce high-value derivatives from our own Pitch Lake. Lake Asphalt was already producing refined pitch and sealants for export. This is a niche, high-margin market that small countries would die to have. We have it, and we under-utilise it.

Second, any reopening of the refinery must be future-proof. That means ensuring the plant can process Guyana’s light sweet crude, now one of the hottest commodities in the hemisphere. If TT cannot refine Guyana’s crude, someone else will and profit from it.

Third, the refinery must be capable of refining Venezuelan heavy crude. Venezuelan oil is notoriously sludgy, but we sit right next door. The freight savings alone, the turnaround time for shipments, and the ability to blend or refine that crude for regional distribution would put TT back in a dominant logistical position in the Caribbean energy chain.

Instead of watching other countries seize the opportunity, we should be positioning the refinery as the Caribbean’s premier toll refiner, blending hub, and supplier of finished products.

We once supplied the entire region. We can do it again, but only if the refinery is upgraded for modern feedstock and aligned with the realities of hemispheric geopolitics.

TT has never lacked the talent, the resources, or the strategic location, only the political will.

GORDON LAUGHLIN

via e-mail

EMT gets $154k for unlawful arrest after cop tells him to 'suffer in court'

A HIGH COURT judge has awarded a total of $154,000 to an emergency medical technician and businessman who was unlawfully arrested, detained and prosecuted after a 2018 encounter with police in Marabella.

Justice Westmin James ordered the State to compensate Darryl Nanton, 56, of Freeport, after the State admitted liability in December 2024. The judge’s assessment ruling was delivered on December 4.

Nanton, then the owner of Heartfelt Care Services and an employee of Petrotrin, endured an unlawful 24-and-a-half-hour detention, the filing of three criminal charges without cause, and degrading treatment while in police custody, his lawsuit contended.

According to the judgment, Nanton went to the KFC branch on Old Southern Main Road, Marabella, around 3.20 pm on April 24, 2018, to meet an employee. As he attempted to reverse out of a parking space blocked by two motorcycles, a marked police vehicle stopped beside him. Officers questioned why his vehicle was on the pavement, then demanded his driver’s permit and insurance. During the interaction, one officer repeatedly hurled insults at Nanton, who was dressed in his Petrotrin uniform.

When Nanton objected to the verbal abuse, a corporal exited the police vehicle, pulled him from his car, shoved him against the rear door and searched him. Officers then searched his vehicle. Nanton, who told officers he had $8,000 in cash inside, attempted to record the search, but an officer seized his phone and smashed it.

Police ordered a wrecker to remove the vehicle despite Nanton’s pleas to leave it at the restaurant. He was handcuffed and taken to the Marabella Police Station without being cautioned or told the reason for his arrest. He was placed in a cell described as filthy, vermin-infested and lacking working toilet facilities.

Nanton said he was unable to relieve himself because of the toilet’s condition and was forced to sleep on the floor.

He remained in custody from 3.30 pm on April 24 until about 4 pm the next day and was released only after securing his own bail. He later appeared in the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court at least six times before all charges, including disorderly conduct, wilful obstruction and use of insulting language, were dismissed for want of prosecution in July 2019.

In the judgment, the court found the officers’ conduct “oppressive, arbitrary, unreasonable and unconstitutional,” noting that one officer told Nanton he did not care about the outcome of the case and that the goal was to force him to “suffer in court.”

Nanton said one of the officers told him, “I don’t care if I win or I lose. Is how long you suffer in court. The government does pay me to go to court; I hope Petrotrin does pay you to go to court.”

In his ruling, James noted elements of “humiliation and indignity” in the case.

“The conduct of the officers in these circumstances can fairly be described as oppressive and disproportionate for such a possible offence.”

He also noted, “Exemplary damages are awarded in cases of serious abuse of authority. The function of exemplary damages is not to compensate but to punish and deter.

“No doubt there were arbitrary, oppressive, unreasonable and unconstitutional actions of the officers in this case, including making up charges, attitude towards the claimant, the aggression used towards the claimant and the overcharging of the claimant disproportionate to the offence, which was the breach of a traffic regulation.

“Further, the use of prosecution of the claimant and the court to be vindictive to the claimant.”

Nanton was awarded $50,000 in general damages for false imprisonment, inclusive of aggravated damages; $50,000 in general damages for malicious prosecution, inclusive of aggravated damages; $40,000 in exemplary damages for abuse of authority and $14,000 in special damages for legal fees, wrecking costs and partial replacement value of his destroyed phone. Interest and prescribed costs were also granted, with a 28-day stay of execution.

Attorney Darryl Heeralal represented Nanton, while Evana Welch and Sara Muslim represented the State.

Ex-Petrotrin workers to get land from government

Just as former workers of the now-defunct Caroni (1975) Ltd were honoured with land as promised as part of the VSEP package, the government also intends to honour previous agreements to allocate land to former Petrotrin workers as part of their termination benefits.

Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs, Ernesto Kesar, made the announcement on November 30 at the Pointe-a-Pierre roundabout.

Scores of former Petrotrin workers, including retirees and other members of the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU), had gathered to mark the seventh year since the closure of the Petrotrin refinery.

Kesar said 2,814 former workers had applied to the Land Settlement Agency under the previous administration for parcels of land, but only 238 were issued letters of commitment, without receiving any land.

The ex-workers set to benefit include permanent, temporary, and casual workers from the 76,000 acres of Petrotrin land.

Kesar recalled that in a meeting on November 20, he was instructed by his line minister, Dr Roodal Moonilal, to prepare a report encompassing all permanent, casual, and temporary workers and staff for the Cabinet’s consideration and approval, where necessary.

“Obviously, the 238 people will be part of that because they have already been allocated,” Kesar said.

“I am instructed to prepare a report, including the minutes of the meeting. It will take into consideration where the land is located, its capacity, and all of the different facilities, but I have been given the responsibility to prepare that report.”

Kesar, who is also the Point Fortin MP and a former OWTU branch president, announced that the government hopes to reopen two closed medical facilities in Santa Flora and Guaracara for former workers and their families within six months.

He recalled being assigned by Moonilal to assess the clinics managed by Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Ltd (TPHL).

After inspecting the Guaracara and Santa Flora clinics, Kesar reported that the Pointe-a-Pierre facility was still structurally sound and had maintained medical records for all workers. However, he noted that the Santa Flora clinic had been severely vandalised.

On the issue of successorship, Kesar said Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste was advised to pilot a motion through Parliament to have Cabinet approve the OWTU’s representation of workers under TPHL.

OWTU president general Ancel Roget also addressed the gathering and repeatedly bashed the previous administration.

He said over 1,000 retirees died “as a result of not being able to access their own medical plan.”

“He (Rowley) took it away… The medical plan is part of the preservation of your life,” Roget said.

Roget added that many workers suffered from occupational diseases due to not having adequate protection, recalling how workers carried pipes on their backs through forests to produce oil, exposing themselves to various chemicals under severe pressure.

He added that many risked their lives in conditions that led to renal failure, heart failure and more.

The Rowley-led administration had attributed the refinery’s closure to economic challenges and declining profitability, citing high operating costs.

Roget charged that the previous administration was “running this country on fumes.”

He said Moonilal and Kesar now have to deal with the serious challenges of neglected infrastructure, both on land and offshore.

The ministers are addressing what Roget described as a state of abandonment.

On the closure of the refinery in 2018, Roget said people cry every day when they pass by and see the darkness, which used to be lit by the flares.

He added that things are beginning to turn around thanks to the work of the two ministers, who have been working with the OWTU both behind and in front of the scenes.

“The worst thing you can do is remove recognition from a union and take that union away from a workplace,” Roget said.

After the shutdown, Petrotrin was restructured under TPHL with four subsidiaries: Heritage Petroleum Company, Paria Fuel Trading Company, Guaracara Refinery, and Petrotrin.

Roget charged that none of these companies has OWTU representation due to the issue of successorship, and that the administration ensured this would not happen.

La Brea MP Clyde Elder, who is also Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities, also attended. He is a former secretary general of the Communications Workers’ Union.

High Court orders OWTU, Patriotic Energies to repay millions in loans

THE High Court has ruled that the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) and its company, Patriotic Energies and Technologies Ltd, must repay millions of dollars loaned to them to support their bid to buy the Petrotrin refinery.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Carol Gobin on June 30, found that both OWTU and Patriotic failed to repay two loans, one issued in November 2019 and another in May 2020, despite acknowledging the debts and agreeing to repayment terms.

The loans were used to pay consultants helping Patriotic prepare its offer to purchase 100 per cent of Guaracara Refining Company and Paria Fuel Trading Company. The money was supposed to be repaid in scheduled instalments, but the OWTU never made any payments, despite new agreements in 2021 and 2022 extending their repayment period.

KCL Capital Market Brokers Ltd filed its claim in November 2022, demanding over US$4.3 million in outstanding principal and interest. The OWTU admitted it owed the money but argued that the loan agreements violated union rules and broke Section 17 of the Trade Unions Act, making them illegal.

Justice Gobin disagreed. She ruled that the loans were in line with the union’s mission to protect members’ welfare. The judge said that helping Patriotic try to restart the refinery was a reasonable step to create jobs after the Petrotrin shutdown.

“The argument that the rules do not allow the transactions relies on an expectation that every possible course of action which could protect and promote the interest of members would be spelt out and expressly provided for. This to my mind borders on the absurd,” she said.

The court also found that Section 17 of the Trade Unions Act, which penalises improper use of union funds, did not apply. Justice Gobin said that the law targets misconduct by union officials, not the union itself, and there was no evidence of fraud or dishonesty in this case.

“In the absence of fraud, misrepresentation, or misconduct, the transactions entered into by the OWTU were not caught by section 17,” she said.

The OWTU also argued it did not benefit directly from the loans because the money was sent to Patriotic’s service providers. But the court found this unconvincing. Patriotic is closely linked to OWTU and has no assets. The judge said OWTU directed the payments and was fully involved in the arrangement, so it could not now deny responsibility.

“Even if I were to accept that the OWTU did not receive any money from KCL, the evidence established the relationship between the defendants with overlapping directors and officials and their common intention to acquire and operate the refinery through Patriotic, which was incorporated for that purpose,” she said.

“It does not lie in the mouth of the union to say it did not receive the funds,” she added.

“The claimant is entitled to judgment against both defendants,” Justice Gobin ruled.

According to the evidence, the loans were supported by mortgages and guarantees, including shares held by the OWTU in companies like One Caribbean Media and Massy Holdings.

The loan centred around two agreements entered into between KCL Capital and the OTWU, through its then-trustees Ozzi Warwick, Raymond Huggins, and Ernesto Kesar, between November 2019 and May 2020.

Kesar, the union’s former vice president, won the Point Fortin constituency in the recently concluded General Election and has been appointed Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs. Warwick is the union’s chief education and research officer.

The OWTU’s bid for the refinery was rejected by the evaluation committee established under the tenure of the former People’s National Movement (PNM) government.

In February, former energy minister Stuart Young announced that Nigerian company Oando Trading DMCC had been selected to lease the refinery.’

In March, then-opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the UNC would not honour any agreement regarding the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery. After assuming office, the Prime Minister, speaking at Labour Day celebrations on June 19, announced the establishment of a committee to explore the reopening of the refinery.

KCL Capital was represented by Dave Williams and Stacy-Ann Ramkhelewan. The OWTU was represented by Douglas Mendes, SC, Anthony Bullock, and Alatashe Girvan.

Where do we go from here?

THE EDITOR: In recent weeks, TT has witnessed a series of decisions that have left thousands reeling – CEPEP contracts abruptly ended, high-level dismissals and the revocation of the Central Bank governor’s appointment.

While some defend these as reforms, many see political motive. For those who remember the TSTT retrenchments or Petrotrin’s mass lay-offs, the optics are familiar, and the déjà vu is hard to ignore.

Another chapter in this troubling pattern unfolded in 2017 when the Tourism Development Company (TDC) was shut down under the PNM administration. Over 100 workers were sent home and while the government cited strategic restructuring, the suddenness of the move – and allegations of favouritism in related contracts – left many questioning the true motives behind the decision.

What lingers, even more than the decisions, is the silence that follows. Too often those who cry foul in opposition grow quiet once in power. Outrage fades, explanations multiply and the public – especially the unaffiliated – must weather shifting standards and broken promises.

Where is the outrage when the same actions come from familiar faces? Why is justice only urgent when politically convenient?

This double standard corrodes trust. It deepens division and reduces democracy to a cynical game.

When party loyalty eclipses truth, accountability vanishes.

This isn’t a moment for partisan glee. It’s a call for national reflection.

What kind of society are we building when the working class is always first to feel the axe? When institutions are reshaped in silence? When accountability is demanded only of “the other side?”

The recent wave of board appointments only adds to the unease. While every administration has the right to instal leadership aligned with its vision, the optics often suggest loyalty outweighs merit. When boards are reshuffled without clear criteria or public explanation, it reinforces the belief that governance is less about service and more about serving political ends and securing political advantage.

The pattern is clear: both major parties, at different times, have wielded power in ways that disillusion the citizenry. Promises of transformation give way to retribution. And always, it’s the most vulnerable who are left to pick up the pieces.

Perhaps it’s time to introduce defined terms for state-appointed positions and contracts. Tying them to the administration’s five-year term could bring clarity and reduce the shock felt with each governmental shift. It won’t erase political discretion, but it would provide clarity on tenure, temper disruption and ease the ripple effects that sweep through ordinary communities. This would signal that while leadership may shift, people’s livelihoods should not be subject to abrupt disruption or partisan retaliation.

So where do we go from here?

We go forward by demanding better – not just from those in charge, but from ourselves. We must reject the idea that governance is a game of musical chairs where only the faces change. We must insist on fairness, transparency and a politics that puts people before party.

Let’s move beyond red and yellow – and focus on the breadline, the school fees, the dignity of work, and the right of every citizen to be treated with respect – regardless of politics.

This should not be about what was done before. It’s about doing what’s right, now. Leadership should not be measured by who it punishes, but by how it governs – with integrity, transparency and a commitment to the common good.

BRYAN ST LOUIS

La Brea

2018 Industrial Court ruling on Petrotrin shutdown overturned

SEVEN years after the Industrial Court ordered state-owned Petrotrin to halt staff terminations and voluntary separation (VSEP) offers pending resolution of a dispute brought by the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU), the ruling has been overturned.

On June 27, Justices of Appeal Charmaine Pemberton, Malcolm Holdip, and Vasheist Kokaram delivered an oral judgment setting aside the Industrial Court’s November 19, 2018, ruling, which had been issued by then-President Deborah Thomas-Felix.

The Court of Appeal found that the Industrial Court had erred in its interpretation of the Industrial Relations Act.

Petrotrin had filed an urgent appeal against the Industrial Court’s decision, which had stemmed from legal action filed by the OWTU following the government’s move to shut down the refinery and lay off approximately 4,700 workers.

In its 2018 ruling, the Industrial Court held that Petrotrin failed to act in good faith or engage in proper collective bargaining with the union. The company was ordered to meet with the OWTU before proceeding with any terminations to discuss matters including the rehiring criteria, the new company structure, pension plans, medical and savings benefits, and the computation of termination packages.

These meetings were scheduled to take place daily between November 20 and 26, 2018, at Petrotrin’s premises. The court also fined Petrotrin $4,000.

Petrotrin officially ceased operations on November 30, 2018, ending more than a century of service. Its assets were subsequently divided into four new entities: Trinidad Petroleum Holding Ltd, Heritage Petroleum Company Ltd, Paria Fuel Trading Company, and Guaracara Refining Company.

Petrotrin’s appeal sought to overturn the Industrial Court’s finding that it had violated Section 40(1) of the Industrial Relations Act, which mandates good-faith negotiations with unions during collective bargaining processes, particularly in matters involving mass retrenchment.

A written judgment is expected to follow.

At Labour Day celebrations on June 19, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced the formation of a committee to explore options for reopening the refinery.

The OWTU’s Patriotic Energies and Technologies Company Ltd—wholly owned by the union—was previously considered the preferred bidder for the refinery but saw its proposals ultimately rejected by the then-government.

In February, then-acting Prime Minister Stuart Young announced that the government had accepted a bid from Nigerian company Oando Trading DMCC to lease and potentially restart the refinery.

Friday’s hearing was Justice Holdip’s last as he enters retirement.

Roget: Workers will never forget Petrotrin refinery closure

DESCRIBING the past nine years under the PNM administration as “pure hell,” president general of the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) Ancel Roget vowed to neither forget nor forgive the party for how it treated trade unions.

He charged that with the closure of Petrotrin in 2018, the PNM government not only took away the jobs of 5,000 workers and affected the livelihood of 45,000 in the South Western peninsula, but also removed the workers’ medical plan, which had been guaranteed for life as a term and condition of their collective agreement.

“With the current conflict in the Middle East and oil prices soaring, we are very ready and prepared to safely, successfully and sustainably restart and operate the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery for the benefit of TT,” Roget said.

He gave the feature address at Labour Day celebrations at Charlie King Junction in Fyzabad on June 19. The theme was Reset: It is workers’ time now!

Union members and supporters listen to speeches at a Labour Day rally at Charlie King Junction, Fyzabad, on June 19. – Photo by Lincoln Holder

Roget made those remarks just before Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced that a committee would be set up to explore the restart of the state-owned refinery.

He continued to criticise the now-opposition, accusing the party of taking away Petrotrin workers’ and retirees’ medical plans.

“Today, there are still thousands of Petrotrin retirees who are suffering and in desperate need of their medical plan and have nowhere to turn,” he said.

“Hundreds of former Petrotrin workers and retirees died because they did not have their medical plan which was guaranteed to them.”

The union leader accused the PNM of failing to introduce labour legislation to protect workers.

“They shamelessly give themselves a salary increase of 47 per cent with hefty increases to their pension, they imposed on workers the most unjust 4 per cent over six years without consolidation of COLA,” Roget told the gathering.

“They filed court injunctions when workers protest poor health and safety conditions at their work environment.”

He said the administration demonised and attempted to eradicate all well-paying jobs.

He went on to say that thousands of workers were sent home, and as a result, they were unable to support their families, pay rent or mortgages, or put food on the table.

Roget warned that the PNM – or anyone who tries to destroy the OWTU – would only end up destroying themselves.

“We have a profound duty and responsibility to protect it from those who will desperately attempt to destroy the unity and the Coalition of Interests,” he said.

TTUTA members including president Martin Lum Kin, centre, at Labour Day celebrations, Charlie King Junction, Fyzabad, on June 19. – Photo by Lincoln Holder

“We just could not stand idly by and not join with the only political party in the 2025 general elections that identified with our working-class interest. We had to secure our future and, therefore, secure the future of TT. We had to reset the social, economic and political order for workers.”

He thanked Persad-Bissessar and the UNC for accepting the trade unions as part of the Coalition of Interests and for her commitment to the working class and the workers’ agenda.

He said the new government, with just six weeks in office, had already begun to demonstrate that commitment.

Roget cited the repeal of the Revenue Authority of TT, the halting of the restructuring of WASA, which he claimed would have allowed the PNM to send home thousands of workers, the regularisation of hundreds of auxiliary fire officers and other cases.

He praised Point Fortin MP Ernesto Kesar and La Brea MP Clyde Elder, who were victorious at the April 28 polls on behalf of the union.

“Our political intervention included very significantly, among other things, the sending of our two soldiers to fight on our behalf. The significance of this political intervention must never be lost or understated or even taken for granted,” Roget said

PSA president Felisha Thomas sweeps away Balisier flowers during Labour Day celebrations at Charlie King Junction, Fyzabad, on June 19. – Photo by Lincoln Holder

Roget described the two MPs as committed, competent, and experienced soldiers from their respective communities.

The union leader also recognised Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste, a former president of the Public Service Association, for his role in the general election campaign.

Roget acknowledged several union leaders, including general secretary of the National Trade Union Centre, Michael Annisette, and president general of the National Union of Government and Federated Workers Christopher Streete.

Throwing picong at the PNM, he said the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

Labour leaders led by Ancel Roget stand in solidarity as they march toward Charlie King Junction during Labour Day celebrations in Fyzabad on June 19. – Photo by Lincoln Holder

“Therefore, we must guard jealously the success at the polls on April 28.”

“You see, we observed that since their crushing election defeat, we have seen the PNM’s strategy to create confusion and stymy the progress of this UNC and Coalition of Interest government of which we are part.”

He referenced what he called the deliberate delay by some board members in vacating the statutory bodies.

“They were appointed by the same PNM that was rejected by the people at the polls,” he said.

“We have also identified a few senior managers in various state enterprises, in particular at TTEC and TT Post. They are all remnants of the defeated PNM who are hell-bent on using their positions in those state enterprises to create confusion and chaos with the respective trade unions. We will not accept this. They must all be immediately rooted out.”

Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro greets Minister of Finance Davendranath Tancoo during Labour Day celebrations, Fyzabad, on June 19. – Photo by Lincoln Holder

Roget further accused the previous government of “weaponising” the Industrial Court.

He called for the removal of a judge whom he accused of consistently handing down judgments against workers.

Despite the rains throughout the day, a large crowd turned out for the annual event in Fyzabad under the watchful eyes of the police, including the newly elected Commissioner of Police, Allister Guevarro.

Oando on Pointe-a-Pierre refinery talks: No updates yet

OANDO PLC, the Nigerian company chosen as the preferred bidder for the lease of the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery, says it has no updates on its discussions with Trinidad and Tobago to share publicly at this time.

The company was responding to an e-mail from the Newsday.

Oando was announced as the preferred bidder in February by the previous administration.

Former prime minister and energy minister Stuart Young also said Oando assured it would not hire foreign workers to work in the refinery and that former Petrotrin workers would be rehired.

The UNC heavily criticised the decision back then, citing Oando’s financial woes.

Newsday e-mailed Oando on May 13 asking if the new government contacted the company and whether negotiations will continue.

No response was provided then.

Newsday posed the same questions to Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal on May 16, who said, “The entire process has been put on hold pending a review of that matter.”

Oando replied to Newsday’s e-mail on May 30 saying, “At present, we do not have any updates to share. We will be sure to contact you if there are any developments.”

Recently, the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) partnered with other unions and the Confederation of Regional Business Chambers to “see what is necessary for…restarting operations at the refinery.”

Speaking at a press conference on May 29, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said, “We are beginning to assess the reopening of the Petrotrin refinery.”

New principal appointed at Hugh Wooding Law School

ATTORNEY Rudranath Maharaj will take over as principal of the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) on August 1.

His appointment was announced by Liesel Weekes, SC, chairman of the Council of Legal Education (CLE).

Maharaj, a practicing attorney for 28 years and a trained mediator, currently serves as senior tutor II and course director in probate practice and procedure at HWLS, where he has lectured since 2005.

He is one of two new appointments confirmed by the CLE, with Dr Christopher Malcolm named as principal of the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, effective September 1.

Maharaj has also lectured at the School of Dentistry at Mt Hope and the UWI School of Continuing Studies. He previously worked with various public sector bodies and served as a consultant for the National Gas Company. His directorships span state and private entities, including Petrotrin and Labdico.

Energy Minister: Negotiations with Oando on hold, being reviewed

ENERGY Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal says Trinidad and Tobago’s negotiations with Nigerian energy company Oando PLC for the lease of the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery have been put on hold.

He was responding to Newsday’s request for an update on May 16.

In February, the former government announced that Oando was chosen as the preferred bidder for the lease of the refinery as it planned to restart operations.

Former prime minister and energy minister Stuart Young said the company assured him it would not bring in foreign workers to work in the refinery and that former Petrotrin workers would be rehired.

The government, when it was the opposition, had questioned the choice, citing financial woes endured by the company.

Asked if negotiations will be continued and if the government has communicated with Oando, Moonilal said, “The entire process has been put on hold pending a review of that matter.”

After being sworn in, Moonilal had said, “The first thing is to review that matter with the refinery, whether a deal has been made and what is the nature of that deal and we will look to have an independent assessment on the state of the refinery and work with the OWTU, with the workers and other stakeholders, to look at the feasibility of quickly restarting the refinery at Pointe-a-Pierre.”

[UPDATED] PM: Gazette error was corrected

PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says a copy of the TT Gazette which did not show Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Ltd (TPHL) and entities which fall under it, included under the responsibilities for the Energy Ministry, was not an approved document.

She made this comment at a post-Cabinet news conference at the Red House on Thursday May 15.

Persad-Bissessar made these comments after former energy minister Stuart Young took to Facebook to express concern on this matter.

She said 711 entities were listed in the official document but this document (which omitted the names of TPHL and its subsidiary entities) was not approved for release. “That is not an official document of the government.” Persad-Bissessar said she was advised that the error was corrected.

When Newsday checked the TT Gazette, on Page 9, there were the names of the TPHL, Paria Trading Co Ltd and Heritage Petroleum Co Ltd.

Earlier in the day , in a Facebook post, Young observed that TPHL was not included in the list of entities which fall under new Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal.

He said, “The restructuring of Petrotrin resulted in the formation of new companies and these companies are responsible for the refinancing of Petrotrin’s historical debt including the US$850 million bond that was due in August 2019 as well as a US$750 million bond.”

The restructuring of Petrotrin in November 2018 resulted in the formation of TPHL, an umbrella entity which had other companies under it. These included Heritage Petroleum and Paria Fuel Trading Company.

Young said, “TPHL and Heritage carried the legal obligations of the refinancing of the US$850 million and other significant historical debts. This was then refinanced a second time and the US$850 million bond and other significant debts are now carried by Heritage.”

He claimed the absence of TPHL under Moonilal’s assigned duties and responsibilities in the Gazette suggests that neither Moonilal nor Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo were considered, identified or assigned.

“Heritage and Paria are no where to be seen. The UNC government has failed to recognize the existence of these companies.”

Young said, “I caution that if this is not immediately rectified it may result in defaults being declared under the bond and loan agreements.”

He added this “can also trigger lawsuits based on contractual obligations, it can also lead to an immediate downgrading of our sovereign ratings.” He called on government to immediately address this matter in order to avoid any possible crisis.

In a subsequent Facebook post, UNC PRO Dr Kirk Meighoo said TPHL was not listed in the TT Gazette notice of March 20 under Young’s responsibilities as energy minister.

In a subsequent response, Young said Meighoo’s post was an attempt, behind the scenes, to sell an excuse. “My earlier post was careful to caution and say fix it and to post what was circulated a day or two ago by the government.”

Young said Meighoo’s claim was this was done previously is not the issue. “The point is ensure an error is corrected.”

An updated version of the May 13 Gazette was subsequently released.

This story was originally published with the headline Young concerned about Trinidad Petroleum omission and has been updated to include additional details. See original post below.

FORMER energy minister Stuart Young has expressed concern about Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Ltd (TPHL) not being included in under the responsibilities for the Energy Ministry listed in the TT Gazette Notices of May 13.

In a Facebook post on May 15, Young observed TPHL was not included in the list of entities which fell under new Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal.

The restructuring of Petrotrin in November 2018 resulted in the formation of TPHL, an umbrella entity which had other companies under it.

Those included Heritage Petroleum and Paria Fuel Trading Company.

He claimed the absence of TPHL under Moonilal’s assigned duties and responsibilities in the Gazette suggest that neither Moonilal nor Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo were considered, identified or assigned.

“Heritage and Paria are no where to be seen. The UNC government has failed to recognize the existence of these companies.”

Young said, “I caution that if this is not immediately rectified it may result in defaults being declared under the bond and loan agreements.”

He added this “can also trigger law suits based on contractual obligations, it can also lead to an immediate downgrading of our sovereign ratings.”

Young advised government to immediately address this matter in order to avoid any possible crisis.

In a subsequent Facebook post, UNC PRO Dr Kirk Meighoo said TPHL was not listed in the TT Gazette notice of March 20 under Young’s responsibilities as energy minister.

The reopening of Petrotrin

THE EDITOR: The potential reopening of Petrotrin is a topic of significant debate and holds both promise and concern for TT’s future. As a once vital pillar of the national economy, Petrotrin’s reopening could stimulate job creation, revive local industries and bolster economic activity.

Restoring its operations can also accelerate domestic oil refining and supply, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening energy security.

However, critics argue that reopening Petrotrin without clear, sustainable strategies may lead to repeated failures and financial losses. The company’s past struggles with inefficiency, corruption and mismanagement serve as cautionary tales.

A successful revival must involve transparent governance, modernized infrastructure, and a focus on technological innovation to ensure competitiveness in a global market.

Moreover, environmental concerns are paramount. Past operations caused environmental degradation and any reopening must prioritise sustainable practices, including effective waste management and pollution control, to protect local communities and natural resources.

The government must carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks. A collaborative approach involving private sector investment, regulatory oversight, and community consultation is essential for sustainable success. If managed prudently, Petrotrin’s revival could serve as a catalyst for economic diversification and social stability.

However, failure to address past issues and to implement clear, forward-looking policies could result in wasted resources and continued public disillusionment.

Ultimately, transparency, accountability and strategic planning are critical for ensuring Petrotrin’s role as a truly beneficial asset for the country.

GORDON LAUGHLIN

Westmoorings

TPHL chairman quits

CHAIRMAN of Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Ltd Michael A Quamina has resigned.

He announced his resignation in an internal letter on May 1.

“I want to express my sincere admiration, appreciation and gratitude to each of you,” he said.

“This journey has been exciting and fulfilling and you all have been amazing travel companions through the ups and downs, highs and lows, the good times and even the challenging ones.

“Do not ever forget that you are a part of a strong and important organisation that, in whatever form it may take, plays a pivotal role in shaping our nation’s future.”

In 2018, Petrotrin was shut down, which included the mothballing of the Guaracara refinery.

The Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Ltd was established that same year to manage TT’s oil and gas assets following the dissolution of Petrotrin.

It has four subsidiaries – Heritage Petroleum Company Ltd, Paria Fuel Trading Company Ltd, Guaracara Refinery Ltd and Petroleum Company of TT (Petrotrin).

The previous People’s National Movement (PNM) signalled its intention to sell the refinery and announced Nigerian company Oando PLC as the preferred bidder for the refinery.

The refinery was a major topic of political discussion in the lead up to the April 28 general election.

The incoming United National Congress (UNC) administration, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has said it will re-open Petrotrin and restart the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery.

Labour holds the reins of power in La Brea, Point Fortin

THOSE who labour must hold the reins of power has been the mantra of the trade union movement.

On April 28, this narrative was translated into votes for two labour representatives who created history when they crushed two strongholds of the People’s National Movement (PNM) – Point Fortin and La Brea.

The last non-PNM candidates to win these seats was during the 1986 33-3 sweep by the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR). Selby Wilson was elected as the MP for Point Fortin and Dr Albert Richards for La Brea.

Since then, no one has been able to break the momentum, until 2025 when the United National Congress (UNC) in a coalition of interests with labour and other political groups claimed that feat.

The two labour candidates – Ernesto Raymond Kesar – representing the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) in Point Fortin and, Clyde Elder from the Communication Workers’ Trade Union (CWU) in La Brea, contested the election under a UNC banner.

Surprised by his success at the polls, Kesar who previously contested the seat under the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) attributed his victory to the lingering impact of the closure the state-owned Petrotrin and Trinmar which has led to social and economic decline.

“The people took a chance on Ernesto Kesar and by Almighty God, I hope we are not going to disappoint Point Fortin.”

Still basking in the victory, Elder said the feeling was surreal.

Commenting on the high unemployment and poverty in the community, Elder acknowledged there was a lot of work to be done, and he promised to adhere to his leader’s mantra, to serve the people.

His main competitor Randall Mitchell of the PNM who succeeded the former MP Stephen McClashie to contest the seat, conceded victory.

In a statement, he said while he was not able to serve the constituency as their MP, he has always served the country with pride and purpose and was thankful for those who walked the journey with him, and supported and encouraged him.

“Today, with a full heart and deep respect for our democracy, I acknowledge the outcome of this general election.

“Whilst it is not the result we had hoped for, I accept it with humility and grace. The people have spoken, and I respect their voice.”

His counterpart in Point Fortin, Kennedy Richards Jr, did not respond to call or messages about his defeat.

In the meantime, the OWTU, as part of the coalition, congratulated Kesar and Elder.

“For the first time since 1986 elections, history was made in Point Fortin and La Brea,” said in a statement.

“In seeking change and better representation the people have spoken and has elected labour’s two candidates to the Parliament.

“As such, we say welcome to the Parliament of TT the new MP for Point Fortin, Comrade Ernesto Raymond Kesar and La Brea, Comrade Clyde Elder.

“You both ran valiant, clean, respectful campaigns that reflected your values and principles. With a resume of committed public service to the people you now represent and the people of TT, we know based on your established track records you will continue to serve the people you represent with respect, fearless, unbiased, and with integrity.”

The OWTU advised the two, “Comrades the work has started. This victory has shown that labour is strong and has a strong voice in TT. Congratulations again to our two comrades we are extremely proud of both of you.”

PSA: Young can’t deny cabinet report on WASA

PRESIDENT of the Public Services Association (PSA) Felisha Thomas has called out Prime Minister Stuart Young, challenging him to deny the existence of a cabinet subcommittee report which she says speaks to the dissolution of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA).

She dismissed Young’s claim that her revelations about the restructuring of the authority and proposed dismissal of workers were false allegations.

Instead, she accused him of being less than honest as she read from what she said was a cabinet sub-committee report in which the restructuring of the Water and Sewage Authority (WASA) and the separation of workers was spelled out.

Addressing a UNC campaign meeting at St John’s Ambulance Hall, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain on April 23, Thomas dismantled Young’s criticism and his denial that his government had any intention to privatise WASA or T&TEC.

As she mounted the platform after another labour leader, president general of the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) Ancel Roget, she reminded WASA workers that the cabinet subcommittee report clearly stated that the only solution to the issues plaguing that authority was the incremental dissolution of WASA.

“That report did not put forward any other options. Just one. Let me remind WASA workers that report means that every single worker would be terminated, dismissed, fired, sent home.

“I made no false allegations. I spoke facts. That cabinet subcommittee report is not mine. It is yours, Stuart, your government’s, your party. Claim it, own it.”

She also called on him to clarify whether, in his haste to wash his hands from the plans like Pontius Pilate, he was labelling his colleague and former minister of public utilities Marvin Gonzales a liar.

“When Marvin said to TT that WASA was overstaffed, was he misleading the nation, was he spreading propaganda when he said 426 managers would be going home. Was he (Gonzales) lying. Is that what you saying Stuarty?

“Is Stuart Young confirming for WASA workers, for the population that his government are liars. Is you sign the damn report Stuart. Your signature is on it. But Stuart saying his government has no intention of sending home WASA workers. You hear lie. That is lie.”

Thomas itemised some key points from the report which stated WASA was overstaffed by 2,500. That the authority is likely to exist for a while, transferring the full operations to a Water Management Company.

“Page 115 says, you Stuart Young, recommended a wastewater entity managed by the new wastewater management company with private sector participation.”

She called on him to tell WASA workers in the wastewater department what would be their fate, because in the new management structure, there was no wastewater department.

She called on supporters not believe Young and his government, as it was under their watch in 2018 they promised they were not going to shut down Petrotrin, but every worker was sent home.

“Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. We don’t want your assurances. You could keep it. This is the same man who only two weeks ago, realised food prices gone sky high.”

She said Young was banking on workers forgetting that for the past ten years, his government failed to appoint workers and fill vacancies. That it is the same PNM that caused workers to be turned away from financial institutions because their jobs were not safe.

This is the same PNM that causing workers to be working for 2013 salaries in 2025, the same PNM that refuse to pay NIB workers their 2014-16 increases, the same PNM that failed to pay retirees their pensions based on their final salaries.

“So, what would labour do?” she asked as she led them in a collective chorus to “reject them. Vote them out, vote them out.”

Former Petrotrin workers wary of Oando’s promise of rehiring

MANY former Petrotrin workers say the past seven years have been filled with mental anguish, financial instability and crushed hopes. And even as Prime Minister Stuart Young announced that Oando PLC – the Nigerian company that is the preferred bidder for the refinery – will seek to rehire them if operations restart, they still feel no sense of ease.

Petrotrin was shut down in November 2018. The government maintains, though, that it did not “close down” the company and that it was restructured to Heritage Petroleum Company Ltd.
Fast-forward to 2025 – the government chooses Oando for the lease of the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery as it looks to restart operations. Young said the company will not bring in foreign workers for the refinery and that the government made a negotiation for former refinery workers to be hired.

Ex-employees speak

Keegan Denny worked at the refinery for 12 years as a senior operator. Being the breadwinner in his family, he was left distraught and anxious.

“The first few months were really difficult. (It felt like) a death because there was mourning, separation and anguish…

“I hoped to retire there. I was building a career, I was going to do my master’s degree in 2020, getting a higher position, moving up,” he said before a sigh.

Just a week prior to the official announcement, he began hearing murmurs that operations would cease.

Struggling to secure a new job, while seeing some colleagues get opportunities at other oil and gas companies, he opted to start an agro-business. But then the covid19 pandemic hit and the business never recovered.

He now works as a production supervisor at a local company in the food and beverage industry.
Asked how he feels about Young and Oando’s promise, he said talks about the refinery always resurface before an election.

“You would always see this cycle of having a preferred bidder and then it falls apart. It’s a recurring theme. It just reaches a point where you don’t want to believe anything.”

But even if it does materialise, he said he does not trust that former workers would be rehired.

“It would be great for us but based on the patterns we’ve seen and the promises we’ve heard…”
Clyde Ramesar had worked there for 28-and-a-half years and left as a senior refinery operator as well. He worked in the vacuum distillation and visbreaker units.

He said while the closure was devastating, he had been shy of 50 and so he soon qualified for pension. He said he also got a workable severance package.

“But that in no way justifies the decision that was made because it destroyed too much, too many lives. Simply put, it made no economic sense and it made even less political sense.”

He chose to retire after the closure but noted many of his colleagues struggled to find jobs and their livelihoods were completely destroyed.

“People lost their houses, people are suffering divorce….About two months ago, I had to field a call for somebody who actually put out on social media that he just so fed up and broken that he felt to end his life. I took it upon myself to provide some support and counselling to the individual.”

He said jobs are already difficult to find and even more so for people with a very specific skill set.

Although he does not think it would happen, he said if he is called upon, he would not come out of retirement as, “There are young people more in need of a job than me.”

He reiterated that he does not believe the rehiring promise.

“Out of necessity, they might engage some people but they will have a level of exploitation.

“Putting myself in Oando’s shoes, if you are giving me the lease to operate the refinery, are you going to leverage me to the point where I have to agree to provide the employment slate that you want of me? I mean, my business comes first, and my business comes first along the lines of the cost of labour has to be number one. It has to be something I need to manage, and the ability to deliver on the project if I am sincerely committed to delivering the project.”

Kalifa Phillip worked for almost 13 years as a clerk at the refinery. She was a temporary worker.
“We suffered then and we are still suffering,” she said.

She soon took up a job at the CEPEP (Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme) as bills started piling up and she was grateful for any opportunity.

“We had to start from scratch with nothing. No assistance at all. We were not considered as employees because we were non-permanent.

“Some non-permanents got a sum of money. I worked for almost 13 years and got nothing at all, which was very unfair. I did not even get an official letter saying the company was going to be closed.”

She now works in the health and fitness industry.

On the possibility of workers being rehired, she said, “We have had a lot of promises in the past. It was promised to Patriotic just before the 2020 elections and I got my hopes crushed. Then again, we heard about them finding bidders and that was quashed…So I’m not really confident that this current preferred bidder will be finalised into an actual lease or sale and the company being reopened.”

“If it happens, we’ll see,” she added.

She said she will never forgive the current government for its actions.

“It’s a really strong feeling. Some people brush it off, but not me.”
She said while the workers were just viewed as numbers, the decision affected “real people with real lives.

“There’s no sympathy from people because everyone viewed us as these people who were making loads of money and got humbled…I have stopped talking to people because (they shared that view) too.”

Pessimistic about promise

Charlene Hernandez became a permanent worker at Petrotrin in 2013. She was a clerical worker but often served as a management assistant.

She was brought to tears recalling that time and how life has been since then. She, too, had reached the age for pension, which was $2,400 monthly.

“I was home for like 22 months before I got another job…Everything had just crashed. It was hard.”

She is now at another job where she works 12-hour shifts for minimum wage.

“It’s hard, it’s very hard and I don’t think forgiveness is even in my mind right now, to be honest.”

Asked about Young and Oando’s promise, she said she trusts nothing the government says.

“But I do hope they would consider the ex-Petrotrin employees before anybody else and that may bring back some life to the small businesses in Marabella and Pointe-a-Pierre.”

Richard Bernard worked at Petrotrin, though, not in the refinery, but as a projects control adviser.

He said the former workers felt betrayal, shock, anger and resentment, as well as fear and anxiety.

“Many employees were taken aback by the announcement’s abruptness…Because Petrotrin was a state enterprise, workers, particularly those with decades of service, felt deceived not only by the corporation but also by the government.”

He said losing a job is more than losing money – it’s losing a sense of routine, community and identity.

He said although Young is saying workers may be rehired, the company’s website says its next steps include further discussions with the government.

“It is unlikely that a new company will rehire the majority of the former employees of the Petrotrin refinery. However, Oando PLC must hire former employees who possess the practical knowledge of the refinery’s operation.”

Young says government did all it could to reopen Petrotrin

PRIME Minister Stuart Young says government has done all it could to reopen the former Petrotrin refinery in Pointe-a-Pierre.

He said Oando, the Nigerian company interested in the refinery will bring back former Petrotrin workers and could use Nigerian crude oil to restart the refinery.

He made these comments at a PNM meeting on Harris Promenade, San Fernando on April 2.

Young said the PNM restructured Petrotrin but did not close it.

“That is a lie.”

Young told PNM supporters not to believe anything to the contrary said by UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar and OWTU president-general Ancel Roget who is part of the UNC’s coalition of interests.

On February 27, then acting (now) Prime Minister Stuart Young announced Oando as the preferred bidder for the refinery.

He said the proposals from the short-listed bidders (CRO Consortium, INCA Energy LLC and Oando PLC) were examined by an evaluation committee and Cabinet sub-committee chaired by Housing Minister Camille Robinson-Regis.

He added that Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Ltd (TPHL) will begin talks with the Nigerian company for the lease of the refinery.

On its website, the company says it is one of Africa’s “leading energy solutions providers with a proud heritage. It has a primary listing on the Nigeria Stock Exchange and a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. With shared values of teamwork, respect, integrity, passion and professionalism.”

The OWTU previously unsuccessfully bid to acquire the refinery through its company Patriotic (Energies Company Ltd).”

Also at the meeting, PNM San Fernando West candidate Faris Al-Rawi claimed people in the Piarco Airport scandal have publicly admitted to wrongdoing under a UNC government.

Al-Rawi, a former AG who is also Rural Development and Local Government Minister, quoted excerpts from some of the letters.

One of those persons said, “What I did was wrong and I am sorry.”

Another person, Al-Rawi continued, admitting to undermining the procurement process for the project.

He claimed Persad-Bissessar, the former prime minister under the People’s Partnership administration, prevented some $1 billion spent in that project from coming back to TT by taking no action to ensure it did.

Al-Rawi said this us why the UNC must be rejected at the polls on April 28.

PNM Siparia candidate Dr Natasha Mohammed, speaking at the meeting, said UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has abandoned her Siparia constituency.

“The people of Siparia want change.”

Mohammed said Persad-Bissessar is an absentee leader and absentee MP. She observed Persad-Bissessar has not even declared herself as the UNC’s Siparia candidate.

Mohammed said TT cannot have people who are in chaos to run its affairs.

She added to date, she is the only declared candidate for Siparia.

April 4 is nomination day.

PSA boss backs UNC: Workers can’t survive another PNM term

PUBLIC Service Association (PSA) president Felisha Thomas has thrown her support behind the United National Congress (UNC) as she claimed workers cannot survive five more years under the current People’s National Movement (PNM) government.

Thomas made a shocking appearance on stage at a UNC campaign meeting at Northeastern College in Sangre Grande, on March 29, where she emphasised the struggles of workers.

She believes under the PNM, workers have been mistreated and there have been widespread job losses, wage stagnation and the government has failed to address workers’ rights and benefits.

“I am honoured to mount this platform in the interest of workers, to openly advance the only reasonable response to an unreasonable government which has used and abused workers – workers, demonised, criticised, lied on and falsely accused them,”

According to the PSA website, the union represents over 80,000 workers from more than 100 public service sectors nationwide.

Thomas said her primary goal after becoming PSA president on March 11 was to remove the government from office.

“Workers in this country must be free from dictatorship, oppression and tyranny – they must be free from the PNM.”

She said the government has done nothing to advance the welfare of working-class citizens and people are struggling to take care of their families.

“The PNM has starved workers of the resources they need to do their jobs. For the PNM, inefficiency means job loss. Anywhere you hear the word ‘retrenchment’, you’ll find the PNM right behind it.”

She said there have been significant job losses across various sectors. In 2003, she said approximately 9,000 workers from Caroni were laid off. In 2006, 1,800 employees from British West Indian Airways (BWIA) lost their jobs.

Thomas said the Tourism Development Company in 2017 had 111 workers retrenched and in 2016, 644 employees from Ansa McAl were let go. She added 500 workers in 2018 from Telecommunication Services of TT lost their jobs. That same year, another retrenchment at Petrotrin saw 5,500 workers facing job losses as part of restructuring efforts.

She said the education sector wasn’t spared either, as 200 workers from the University of Trinidad and Tobago were retrenched in 2019 and in 2022, an additional 468 workers were let go.

“These are just a few examples. They say they love you, yet this is how they take care of you.”

She also criticised the government’s handling of wages, pointing out a four per cent salary increase over six years while she claimed food inflation hit 64 per cent, but said government officials received a 47 per cent increase.

Thomas said failure to consolidate the cost-of-living allowance (COLA) led to workers losing $51.3 million in back pay.

Thomas further accused the government of threatening over 2,100 jobs in the Board of Inland Revenue Customs and Excise Division, as well as an additional 5,000 jobs in the Water and Sewage Authority (WASA).

“They’ve threatened over 500 jobs in the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and refused to fill vacancies. They denied workers permanent employment and refused to implement the nine per cent settlement for National Insurance Board workers.”

However, she stressed there is a rising sun on the horizon with the UNC. “We must take charge of our destiny and act on our responsibility to ensure a future for our children, which deeply resonates with me as a first-time mother.”

Thomas urged the public to examine the UNC’s commitments to workers, saying, “This relationship didn’t start when the election bell rings. Another five more years of the PNM, workers will not survive.”

She said the UNC has committed to negotiations beginning with no less than a ten per cent increase,

“The UNC has pledged to shelve the PNM’s WASA Cabinet Subcommittee report. But the question remains: will they deliver on these promises? Let me remind you, the last settlement workers received was under the UNC. The UNC understands a fair settlement wouldn’t break the treasury.”

Thomas said under UNC, over 146 negotiations were settled within one term, while, in the last ten years, none has been resolved.

“Hundreds of vacancies remain unfilled, but during the UNC’s time in government, over 55,000 jobs were created. Workers flourished.”

Le Hunte on Rowley’s legacy: Great ideas, poor execution

FORMER PNM vice-chairman Robert Le Hunte says Dr Keith Rowley’s tenure as prime minister could could be characterised by bold decisions, great ideas and initiatives but poor execution.

He made this comment on March 15.

Rowley was prime minister from September 2010 to March 2025.

In a WhatsApp comment, Le Hunte said, “After 10 years, we are left wondering what could have been rather than celebrating what was done.”

He reflected on Rowley being in public life for 40 years.

Le Hunte said this kind of service, in any career, is something worth celebrating when that service is given to the public.

“It is indeed highly commendable.”

Referring to Rowley’s last interview as prime minister on March 13, Le Hunte acknowledged Rowley’s comment about Trinidad and Tobago being a difficult place to govern with all its built-in checks and balances together with the heightened level of mistrust in society.

“That being said uneasy is the head that wears the crown and when one assumes the mantle of leadership, it is expected that during the time in office, they are expected to execute their vision within the confines of the constraints in a manner to produce the required results.”

Le Hunte is a banker by profession.

“While in management, I use a common equation to highlight this point.”

Le Hunte said that equation is “non-performance, plus a good excuse, does not equate to performance.”

“Too often we believe that a good excuse for not doing something is justification for it not happening. From a performance management perspective, this is not the case.”

He said Rowley’s time in office will definitely be remembered for two critical bold decisions he took.

“The closure of Petrotrin, whether we agree or not, was indeed a bold decision and his stance against the multi-national companies operating in Trinidad and Tobago to secure a better deal for the citizens who he referred to as his shareholders was indeed commendable.”

Le Hunte lamented that during the last ten years, other initiatives mentioned by Rowley have not been completed for one reason of another.

He identified the establishment of a Chinese ship-repair facility in La Brea and Dragon gas deal among them.

“These are just a few of the ideas and initiatives announced and advanced by him with great transformational hope and promise for our country’s diversification and development. ”

He said, “We cannot help but feel that if as a leader he was able to facilitate the execution, we would be today in a much better place.”

Le Hunte added, “Instead, our country is entering a new world order with a high degree of uncertainty. Our standard of living as we know it hinges on a project with Venezuela over which we have no control and we were told by him that our ‘coo coo cook’ if the project doesn’t materialise.”

He said, “Shockingly, we have been placed in this situation without a clear alternative plan as a backup. This is definitely not a comfortable place to be in.”

Le Hunte said Rowley’s adversarial relationship with the opposition, whether warranted or not, has not benefited the country, “when we all recognise that constitutional reform, which will require the opposition’s assistance, is needed for us to progress as a nation.”

Lee calls for transparency on Nigerian bidder for refinery

UNC whip David Lee is calling on the government to be more transparent about Nigerian company Oando Trading DMCC, which was selected to lease the former Petrotrin refinery in Pointe-a-Pierre.

Lee was speaking at a UNC press conference in Chaguanas on March 9. He began by saying Trinidad and Tobago is facing “the most critical question and challenge to emerge in decades.”

This, he said, is: Who do you want in charge of your economic, social and human development?

He said the PNM is attempting a “political facelift” by changing leaders while the country faces “grave uncertainties.”

“…(Uncertainties) on its future, ability to earn revenue, to sustain our social safety net and the ability to guarantee prosperity for our citizens.”

He said the people of TT require fact over fiction and sustainability over soundbites.

One of the biggest lies, he said, was that the Petrotrin refinery was not profitable.

“The Ministry of Energy continues to blur the facts, hide the reality and present a misleading picture (about) the profitability on the operations of Petrotrin. Young is playing with numbers to hide the government’s reckless destruction.”

He said the refinery was profitable up to 2018 when the PNM shut it down, “no matter how they come to spin it.”

On February 27, acting prime minister Stuart Young announced Oando as the preferred bidder for the refinery.

He added that Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Ltd (TPHL) will begin talks with the Nigerian company for the lease of the refinery.

Lee said the people of TT need clarity “on this whole process of this new player the government says will be the firm taking over.

“Like clockwork, the government has pulled out its number-one election football – the sale of the Petrotrin refinery.”

He said the government was not clear as to whether Oando confirmed it received or leased the refinery.

He said it felt like deja-vu as in 2020, before the general election, the government said it was “Ready and waiting to sign (the refinery) over to Patriotic (Energies Company Ltd).”

In a 2020 Facebook post from the Office of the Prime Minister, it said, “We are at the stage now where having accepted them (Patriotic) as the preferred bidder, they were asked to go away and come back with the commitments. Because you could say you’re going to so something and it sounds good, but we need to know that what you say you are going to do, you can do, and that your partners are in fact committed to the process that you have offered the State.”

Lee said, “They said they were ready to negotiate and they never did. (Now) they are trying to give false hope without any single detail about the negotiation. They want the country to believe jobs are coming back, forex and revenue will return to fenceline communities like Gasparillo, Claxton Bay, parts of San Fernando, Marabella…

“We heard this in 2020 and as a country, we cannot be fooled into thinking any of this (will happen).”

He also questioned if the Prime Minister has held any meetings with the company or been present in any such meetings.

“Who are their local partners?” he further asked, telling Young not to “hide” behind non-disclosure agreements.

In 2024, Indian businessman Naveen Jindal showed interest in investing US$500 million for the restart of the refinery.

The UNC had called for him to be disqualified from the bidding saying it was not ethical as Jindal and Dr Rowley met while a tender was out.

Rowley had described them as “louts” and “miscreants.” Jindal later opted out and Rowley said the UNC’s “attacks” were a major reason.

Lee, asked about this, said if Jindal was a serious investor, he would not have opted out just because of the opposition’s comments.

“We don’t really believe they were serious.”

UNC chairman Davendranath Tancoo added, “It cannot be that when the opposition raises concerns that treat with transparency and accountability that the government blames (us). Our role has been to demand accountability.”

Both men said all of the negatives they listed will change if they get into office.

Tancoo said the UNC is “absolutely ready for the general election whenever Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley or prime minister-designate Stuart Young (calls it).”

He added that the UNC’s full slate of candidates will be released “when they are ready.”

He said he is glad to see more people offering themselves to public office, but emphasised that running a country is “serious business” and not “a tea party.”