Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley criticized Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her remarks about the Venezuelan government and the Dragon gas deal. He described her comments as unpatriotic and potentially harmful to Trinidad and Tobago’s energy agreements. Rowley also emphasized the importance of maintaining favorable relations with Venezuela and cautioned against political statements that could jeopardize the nation’s gas supply.
In a recent Facebook post on February 27, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley criticized Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her assertions regarding the Venezuelan government and the Dragon gas deal between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. Persad-Bissessar characterized President Nicolas Maduro’s administration as a “dictatorial, kleptocratic and drug-trafficking” regime during her statement on February 25. She accused Energy Minister Stuart Young of facilitating the Dragon deal as Rowley prepares to step down from his political role on March 16. Persad-Bissessar warned that Young might face similar consequences as Rowley due to his dealings with Venezuela.
Rowley highlighted previous criticisms made by 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 NGC and Shell on December 21, 2023, allowing them to develop and export natural gas from the Dragon gas field to Trinidad and Tobago, with the Office of Foreign Assets Control playing a crucial role in this process under the Biden administration. Concerns about the future of the Dragon project arose after Donald Trump won the presidential election on November 4.
In his letter to Trump dated November 6, Rowley emphasized the strong relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States across various sectors. He expressed hope for the continued strengthening of cooperation in the years to come. In his statement regarding Persad-Bissessar’s comments, Rowley condemned her actions as unpatriotic, asserting that they served only to jeopardize favorable relations with Venezuela and possibly incite adverse U.S. actions against the country, which may threaten Trinidad and Tobago’s gas supply agreements.
Rowley stated, “Well this is an even more unpatriotic act.” He deemed Persad-Bissessar’s remarks ill-conceived, suggesting they could provoke unfavorable outcomes for Trinidad and Tobago. He further criticized the Opposition leader’s use of the term “kleptocratic,” questioning what her political party’s actual motives might be in light of their potential to harm the nation’s interests. The Prime Minister urged citizens to be cautious of such reckless actions, advising them to remain vigilant.
The confrontation between Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar highlights the contentious political dynamics concerning the Dragon gas deal with Venezuela. Rowley condemns Persad-Bissessar’s remarks about the Maduro government, arguing they may jeopardize Trinidad and Tobago’s interests in securing vital gas supplies. This situation reflects the broader implications of political statements on international relations and the energy sector in the region.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
