The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s Land Settlement Agency (LSA) on Tuesday distributed Residential Lots to 180 former Petrotrin Workers.
The former Petrotrin employees were chosen via a random draw.
This was the third draw for land distribution to former Petrotrin workers, and was done in line with a commitment made by the Prime Minister.
During the function at the Government Campus Plaza Auditorium in Port of Spain on Tuesday, Housing Camille Robinson-Regis said, “We are going to deliver 180 fully developed residential lots to you, the former employees of the now-restructured Petrotrin.”
She said when the Government decided to stop refining oil and to restructure Petrotrin, it was not unmindful of the dislocation likely to result.
“Therefore we were equally committed to ensuring that the employees be provided with as soft a landing as possible.”
One feature of this “soft landing” was providing residential or agricultural lots to Petrotrin ex-workers. The Government felt the award of land was important to show gratitude for workers’ contribution to Petrotrin, she related.
Robinson-Regis said, “Under the PNM Government we have a philosophy that land is not for a few, but it must be for all.”
She said the Government’s track record spoke for itself, as it had moved zealously over the past three years to deliver on these promises, as all ministers were proud to be part of the Keith Rowley-led administration.
“I am confident that the land being allocated will make an enormous difference not just in your lives but in the lives of your children and generations to come.”
Also present were Energy Minister Stuart Young, Agriculture Minister Kazim Hosein and Minister in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Adrian Leonce.