Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley condemned Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s criticism of Venezuelan President Maduro, asserting it jeopardizes the vital Dragon gas deal between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. Rowley emphasized the negative ramifications of such comments on diplomatic relations and the country’s energy agreements.
The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, has publicly criticized Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her comments regarding the Venezuelan government and their implications for the Dragon gas deal. In a Facebook post on February 27, Rowley responded to Persad-Bissessar, who labeled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s regime as “dictatorial, kleptocratic and drug-trafficking” during a statement on February 25.
Persad-Bissessar also accused Energy Minister Stuart Young, who is set to succeed Rowley as prime minister on March 16, of facilitating the Dragon gas deal and other energy agreements between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. She further alleged that Rowley is indifferent to the ramifications of his dealings with Venezuela, particularly as he prepares to exit electoral politics.
Rowley recalled past criticisms from Persad-Bissessar and Oropouche East MP Dr. Roodal Moonilal about the government’s efforts to secure the Dragon deal. Following the issuance of a license by the Venezuelan government to NGC and Shell to develop natural gas from the Dragon gas field on December 21, 2023, concerns emerged regarding the project’s future, especially with changes in the U.S. presidency.
The US$1 billion Dragon gas deal between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, originally signed in August 2018, was stalled due to sanctions imposed by the United States in 2019. Rowley, in a letter to former President Donald Trump on November 6, emphasized the longstanding relationship between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, expressing hope for future cooperation.
Rowley condemned Persad-Bissessar’s remarks as “an even more unpatriotic act,” asserting that her statements serve to threaten any beneficial dealings between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. He described the opposition’s actions as provocative, warning that any U.S. intervention against Venezuela could jeopardize Trinidad and Tobago’s gas supply arrangements.
Rowley critiqued the opposition for their reckless approach, highlighting the irony of Persad-Bissessar utilizing the term “kleptocratic” against Maduro. He questioned the motives behind her statements and urged the public to be cautious, stating, “We are being warned.”
In summary, Prime Minister Rowley strongly rebuked Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her negative comments about the Maduro government, which he believes threaten the Dragon gas deal crucial for Trinidad and Tobago’s energy future. He underscored the implications of her statements, suggesting that they might provoke adverse actions from the United States that could endanger vital gas supply agreements. Rowley’s response highlights the importance of diplomatic relations and the potential consequences of political rhetoric.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
