Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley condemned Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her criticisms of President Nicolás Maduro’s government, asserting they threaten the Dragon gas deal between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. He described her actions as unpatriotic and warned about potential repercussions for future energy agreements while stressing the importance of the deal to Trinidad and Tobago’s energy supply.
In a recent Facebook post dated February 27, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley condemned Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her criticisms of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government, claiming they threaten the significant Dragon gas deal between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. Persad-Bissessar labeled Maduro’s administration as “dictatorial, kleptocratic and drug-trafficking” in her remarks on February 25, implying a lack of concern from Rowley about the implications of his engagement with Venezuela as he approaches retirement from politics.
Additionally, Persad-Bissessar suggested that Energy Minister Stuart Young, set to become the next prime minister on March 16, would face similar consequences as Rowley. Rowley noted past criticisms from Persad-Bissessar and Oropouche East MP Dr. Roodal Moonilal regarding government efforts to secure the Dragon gas deal, which was officially licensed to NGC and Shell by the Venezuelan government on December 21, 2023.
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) facilitated the licensing under the Biden administration, prompting concerns about the deal’s future due to the potential political shifts after Donald Trump’s election. Originally initiated in August 2018, the $1 billion Dragon gas project faced delays due to U.S. sanctions imposed on Venezuela in 2019 during Trump’s presidency.
In response to these developments, Dr. Rowley previously wrote to Trump, underscoring the enduring relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States across various sectors. He expressed hope for continued cooperation moving forward, while criticizing Persad-Bissessar’s statement as an unpatriotic act that could jeopardize Trinidad and Tobago’s business relations with Venezuela.
Rowley characterized Persad-Bissessar’s remarks as an ill-advised provocation, claiming it could lead to U.S. actions against Venezuela that would adversely impact Trinidad and Tobago’s future gas supply. He acknowledged her use of the term “kleptocratic,” questioning the integrity of those criticizing Maduro and urging the citizens to remain vigilant about the potential ramifications of her words.
In summary, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley strongly criticized Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her remarks about Venezuela’s government, asserting that they jeopardize crucial energy agreements between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. He deemed her actions unpatriotic and warned the populace about the potential risks associated with her unwarranted provocations. The future of the Dragon gas deal, essential for Trinidad and Tobago’s energy needs, remains uncertain amid these political tensions.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
