The Guyana Power and Light Inc. says it is not responsible for the unfortunate oil spill that occurred in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard confirmed that at least two vessels were involved in the oil spill incident earlier this month, that caused an oil spill impacting the sister isle of Tobago.
The Ministry of National Security issued a statement saying that while investigations are continuing, video footage and other information, obtained by the TTCG, confirmed that the two vessels are a tug boat and a barge.
It said the TTCG is collaborating with other local and regional agencies, including the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), the Guyana Coast Guard (GCG), the Maritime Services Division, and IR Consilium, through consultant Dr Ian Ralby, to identify the vessels and their owners.
Thus far investigations into the incident revealed that that the vessels appear to have been bound for Guyana. And, the Guyanese authorities have confirmed that neither vessel arrived as anticipated.
In a statement, GPL said that it is aware of the spill that has been impacting Tobago and joins with the rest of Guyana in expressing its concern regarding the environmental implications and impact on the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
The GPL said that it tendered for the supply and delivery of heavy fuel oil (HFO) in June last year and six bids were received.
It said the tender was awarded on October 24, last year to the Suriname-based Staatsolie MaatSchappij Suriname N.V. and that an additional award for the supply and delivery of HFO was awarded to the joint venture Rapid Results Inc. and Osher International Holdings LLC to augment GPL’s increasing consumption of HFO and supply requirements.
It noted that GPL has not received any notification from any of its contracted fuel suppliers that they encountered difficulties with their vessel(s) resulting in the loss of cargo.
“GPL therefore wishes to unequivocally state that the Company is not related to this unfortunate incident,” the company said in its statement.