PM Criticizes Kamla’s Remarks on Maduro and Threat to Dragon Gas Deal
Prime Minister Rowley condemned Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her critical remarks on Venezuelan President Maduro, suggesting her comments could jeopardize Trinidad and Tobago’s Dragon gas deal. He reiterated the importance of maintaining strong relations with Venezuela for future energy supply stability, while emphasizing the recklessness of the opposition’s statements.
The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago criticized Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her comments attacking Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government. In a Facebook post on February 27, Prime Minister Rowley accused Persad-Bissessar of jeopardizing the Dragon gas deal between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. This deal is significant for energy relations between the two countries.
On February 25, Persad-Bissessar described Maduro’s regime as ‘dictatorial, kleptocratic and drug-trafficking’. She stated that Energy Minister Stuart Young, who is set to succeed Rowley on March 16, facilitated the Dragon deal and other related agreements. Persad-Bissessar suggested that Rowley’s indifference towards these dealings stems from his impending retirement from politics.
Rowley recalled previous criticisms from Persad-Bissessar and Oropouche East MP Dr. Roodal Moonilal regarding the government’s efforts to secure the Dragon deal. The Venezuelan government granted a license to state-owned National Gas Company (NGC) and Shell for the development of natural gas from the Dragon field on December 21, 2023, after concerns arose due to U.S. sanctions on Venezuela imposed during Trump’s presidency.
The $1 billion Dragon gas deal was first signed in August 2018 but faced challenges due to sanctions after the U.S. elections in 2019. In a letter dated November 6, Rowley expressed the importance of U.S.-Trinidad relations, emphasizing shared interests in multiple sectors. He stated, ‘We look forward to further strengthening our cooperation in the years ahead.’
Rowley denounced Persad-Bissessar’s attack as unpatriotic and ill-advised, asserting it could jeopardize Trinidad and Tobago’s energy supplies by provoking adverse actions from the U.S. against Venezuela. He highlighted the potential negative impact on the current energy arrangements critical for Trinidad and Tobago’s future gas supplies. Rowley also noted her use of the term “kleptocratic” is ironic coming from her party.
He urged citizens to recognize the dangers of such reckless statements, questioning the motives behind these attacks. Rowley emphasized, ‘We are being warned.’ This underscores the seriousness of the opposition’s actions and their possible repercussions on national interests.
In summary, Prime Minister Rowley’s strong condemnation of Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s remarks against Venezuelan President Maduro underscores the delicate nature of Trinidad and Tobago’s energy dealings with Venezuela, particularly regarding the Dragon gas deal. The implications of her comments could potentially disrupt critical energy arrangements, necessitating a cautious approach in political discourse about foreign relations and energy supply security.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
