Energy Minister Stuart Young has criticized the Opposition Leader for comments she made at a UNC meeting on Monday night, concerning an alleged deal involving this country, Venezuela and India.
This follows a meeting between Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Indian businessman Naveen Jindal last week. The PM had stated that he met Mr Jindal briefly during his visit to India and he was one of several business invited to see the investment opportunities in T&T.
However, the Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Mr Jindal is no stranger to TT or the PM since he was on the island in 2023 to meet with Mr Young.
In a statement last evening, Young said:
“Mrs Kamla Persad Bissesar should realise by now that this government does not operate covertly. The fact that the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries’ website has a release stating that I met with Mr Naveen Jindal in March of 2023 is testimony to this.
“Exactly as that release says, I met with him and, “Discussions surrounded the exploration of opportunities for investment in the energy and steel sectors for the benefit of Trinidad and Tobago.”
He said very transparently that was recorded and the population was informed in March 2023.
“I have not had any discussions with the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela pertaining to any arrangements that they may have with Mr Jindal’s companies. I discuss with the government of Venezuela, matters that pertain to both Venezuela’s interest and Trinidad and Tobago’s interest.”
“I remind the opposition leader that this government has secured specific OFAC licences from the United States’ Treasury Department for two energy initiatives that we are securing for the future of Trinidad and Tobago, one for the Dragon gas field and one for the Cocuina-Manakin field.”
So again, I emphasize that we don’t operate via back doors the way that Mrs Persad Bissesar and her colleagues may. I assure the people of Trinidad and Tobago that my dealings on their behalves will always be transparent and in accordance with the law. I challenge the leader of the opposition to do the same.”