Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has laid out her administration’s priorities, including repealing certain laws and boosting energy exploration in Grenada, Guyana, and Suriname. She plans to enhance regional cooperation in oil and gas while addressing fiscal matters through the Finance Minister. The focus is also on collaborating with Tobago to foster unity.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has emphasized the urgency of her newly established administration’s agenda, asserting that action must start immediately. During an address at the President’s House in Port of Spain on May 3, she stressed the importance of delivering on campaign promises, including repealing the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority Act, and implementing laws related to self-defense and home invasions. Persad-Bissessar believes these initiatives are achievable without significant financial burden; they depend rather on the government’s willingness to act.
On energy matters, she stated that Dr. Roodal Moonilal, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, has been tasked with investigating new oil and gas sources for Trinidad and Tobago. She pointed out that the country has one of the oldest oil industries globally, which gives it a competitive edge. “We can market to our Caricom neighbors, but my Minister of Energy has been mandated from day one to explore the gas offer from Guyana,” she said, underlining the significance of regional collaboration in energy production.
Adding to the regional focus, Persad-Bissessar mentioned plans to explore gas resources in Suriname as well. She also hinted at a surprising development regarding Grenada, noting that she intends to send Minister of Energy to investigate potential offshore gas and oil reserves, asserting that Grenada may possess more resources than the Dragon Field.
Further breaking news on energy partnerships, she proclaimed that the previous gas deal with Venezuela regarding the Dragon Field is now off the table. This shift in strategy shows a new direction for Trinidad and Tobago’s energy negotiations, with an emphasis on regional resources.
The Prime Minister also addressed fiscal matters, stating that Finance Minister Dave Tancoo has been directed to evaluate the current status of the national Treasury. She highlighted plans will be developed by her upcoming Minister of Trade and other Cabinet members to boost revenue for the nation.
Regarding Tobago, she assured that it isn’t marginalized in these efforts. Persad-Bissessar expressed a commitment to a collaborative model with the Tobago House of Assembly. “We will truly reflect what we sing in our anthem: ‘Side by side we stand,’” she concluded, emphasizing unity and collaboration as key to their administration’s vision.
In summary, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s first actions as the leader of Trinidad and Tobago reflect a strong focus on energy and regional cooperation. With plans to explore gas resources in Grenada, Suriname, and Guyana, her administration aims to leverage existing strengths in the oil industry while addressing domestic governance issues. The emphasis on collaboration, both within Trinidad and Tobago and across Caricom, underscores a new approach to economic revitalization and resource management.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
