Prime Minister Criticizes Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Remarks on Venezuela
Prime Minister Dr. Rowley criticized Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her attacks on the Maduro government, claiming they could harm the Dragon gas deal between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. Persad-Bissessar called the Venezuelan regime dictatorial and implicated Energy Minister Stuart Young in the negotiations. Rowley warned that such comments could jeopardize the country’s future energy supplies and urged vigilance among citizens.
The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago has criticized Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her statements regarding the Venezuelan government and its implications for the Dragon gas deal. In a recent Facebook post, Dr. Rowley asserted that Persad-Bissessar’s remarks could jeopardize important energy agreements between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, including the Dragon gas project.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar labeled the Maduro administration as a “dictatorial, kleptocratic and drug-trafficking” regime. She further implicated Energy Minister Stuart Young, suggesting he is responsible for the Dragon deal and other energy collaboration with Venezuela. Additionally, Persad-Bissessar expressed that Prime Minister Rowley appears indifferent to his dealings with Venezuela as he nears his exit from politics.
Dr. Rowley pointed out that Persad-Bissessar and Oropouche East MP Dr. Roodal Moonilal have been historically critical of the government’s efforts to finalize the Dragon gas deal. The license for the project was granted to the National Gas Company and Shell by the Venezuelan government on December 21, 2023, facilitated by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control.
This $1 billion gas deal, initiated in August 2018, was stalled after U.S. sanctions were imposed on Venezuela in 2019. The Prime Minister had previously highlighted the deep ties between the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the United States, underscoring the importance of bilateral cooperation in various sectors.
In his response, Dr. Rowley condemned Persad-Bissessar’s comments as “an even more unpatriotic act,” suggesting that her criticism was strategically ill-timed and intended to provoke unfavorable outcomes for Trinidad and Tobago. He cautioned that such actions could incite the U.S. to take measures against Venezuela that may threaten Trinidad and Tobago’s energy supplies.
Rowley also remarked on Persad-Bissessar’s use of the term “kleptocratic,” stating, “Imagine UNC persons using that word against Maduro, or anybody for that matter.” He expressed concern about the potential consequences of her statements for the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and urged the public to remain vigilant.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago vehemently opposed the statements made by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar regarding the Venezuelan government, emphasizing that her remarks could endanger the vital Dragon gas deal. The Prime Minister highlighted the historical significance of the agreement and cautioned against rhetoric that may provoke foreign intervention. Rowley underscored the importance of uniting for the benefit of Trinidad and Tobago’s energy interests.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
