The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago condemned Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for undermining the Dragon gas deal with Venezuela by criticizing President Maduro’s government. He warned that her rhetoric could provoke negative repercussions from the United States and jeopardize future gas supplies for Trinidad and Tobago.
The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago has rebuked Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her remarks against the Venezuelan government, which he claims jeopardize the Dragon gas deal between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. In her statement on February 25, Ms. Persad-Bissessar criticized President Nicolas Maduro’s administration, labeling it “dictatorial, kleptocratic and drug-trafficking.” Additionally, she implied that Energy Minister Stuart Young, who is poised to succeed Prime Minister Rowley, facilitated this deal.
During his rebuttal on February 27, Dr. Rowley highlighted the earlier criticisms from Ms. Persad-Bissessar and Oropouche East MP Dr. Roodal Moonilal regarding the government’s efforts to secure the Dragon deal. Following the granting of a license for development by the Venezuelan government to NGC and Shell on December 21, 2023, concerns arose about the potential effects of changing U.S. administrations on this project. The Dragon gas deal, valued at $1 billion, initially negotiated in August 2018, faced delays due to sanctions imposed on Venezuela in 2019.
Dr. Rowley cautioned that Persad-Bissessar’s statements could undermine Trinidad and Tobago’s relations with Venezuela and encourage adverse actions from the U.S. government against the latter. He admonished that her actions are detrimental to the national interest, labeling it “an unpatriotic act.” He emphasized that the risk of jeopardizing favorable arrangements for gas supplies is considerable and should not be underestimated.
In summary, Prime Minister Rowley firmly criticized Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s condemnation of the Venezuelan government, asserting that her statements could threaten crucial energy agreements between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. With the Dragon gas deal critical to Trinidad and Tobago’s future energy supplies, he urged the population to recognize the potential ramifications of such political actions.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
