Prime Minister Critiques Opposition Leader’s Remarks on Venezuela’s Government

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley criticized Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her remarks on the Venezuelan government, asserting they could threaten the Dragon gas deal. Persad-Bissessar labeled Maduro’s government as corrupt and suggested that Energy Minister Stuart Young would face similar consequences as Rowley. Rowley urged the public to recognize the potential risks of such political statements.

In a recent Facebook post dated February 27, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley condemned Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her remarks aimed at undermining the Dragon gas deal between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. Persad-Bissessar characterized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s administration as a “dictatorial, kleptocratic and drug-trafficking” regime, expressing concerns about the implications for Trinidad and Tobago’s energy dealings.

Furthermore, Persad-Bissessar claimed that Energy Minister Stuart Young, set to become prime minister on March 16, facilitated the controversial Dragon deal and suggested that he would share a similar “punitive fate” as Rowley. Rowley pointed out that he and Oropouche East MP Dr. Roodal Moonilal had faced criticism over efforts to secure the Dragon gas deal, leading to tensions regarding the project’s future after U.S. sanctions impacted Venezuela’s economy.

On December 21, 2023, a significant license was issued by the Venezuelan government to the National Gas Company (NGC) and Shell, paving the way for the development and export of natural gas from the Dragon gas field to Trinidad and Tobago. The license, granted by the Office of Foreign Assets Control under the Biden administration, raised questions about the deal’s viability in light of potential changes in U.S. foreign policy following the election of the new president.

Rowley remarked that Persad-Bissessar’s attacks on Maduro risk inciting U.S. intervention against Venezuela, which could jeopardize Trinidad and Tobago’s energy agreements. He expressed concerns over the motivations behind her statements, suggesting they represent a detrimental stance against the nation’s interests. Rowley ironically noted that Persad-Bissessar’s use of the term “kleptocratic” seems hypocritical, asking, “Who is hoping to benefit from this reckless stupidity?”

In concluding his remarks, Rowley advised the public to be vigilant, implying that such political maneuvers threaten the nation’s stability and future gas supply dependencies. He emphasized that citizens should take note of the potential consequences stemming from these political actions.

In summary, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley rebukes Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her detrimental statements regarding the Venezuelan government and the Dragon gas deal. Rowley underscored the importance of maintaining positive relations with Venezuela for Trinidad and Tobago’s energy needs while cautioning against provocative political rhetoric that could harm the nation’s economic interests.

Original Source: newsday.co.tt