PM Condemns Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Critique of Maduro Government
Prime Minister Dr. Rowley condemned Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her criticisms of President Maduro’s government, claiming it threatens the Dragon gas deal with Venezuela. He characterized her statements as unpatriotic and detrimental to national interests, warning of negative repercussions for energy agreements. Rowley urged the public to remain cautious amidst opposition’s attempts to undermine the government’s relations with Venezuela.
The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago has publicly denounced Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her criticisms of the Venezuelan government and for attempting to jeopardize the Dragon gas deal between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. Dr. Rowley expressed his discontent in a Facebook post dated February 27, 2023, in response to Persad-Bissessar’s characterization of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s administration as a “dictatorial, kleptocratic and drug-trafficking” regime.
In her statement made on February 25, Persad-Bissessar accused Energy Minister Stuart Young, designated to succeed Dr. Rowley as Prime Minister on March 16, of facilitating the Dragon gas deal, alongside other energy accords with Venezuela. She claimed that Dr. Rowley appeared indifferent to his dealings with the Venezuelan government as he prepares to step down from electoral politics, suggesting that Young would face a similar “punitive fate” as Dr. Rowley.
Dr. Rowley reminded the public of previous criticisms from Persad-Bissessar and Oropouche East MP Dr. Roodal Moonilal regarding the government’s efforts to secure the Dragon energy deal, which was revived when Venezuela granted a license to NGC and Shell for gas development on December 21, 2023. This license was issued with significant influence from the Office of Foreign Assets Control under the U.S. Treasury, during the Biden administration, amid concerns about project stability after the 2020 U.S. election.
The agreement, initially established in August 2018, had been stalled due to U.S. sanctions against Venezuela, imposed during Donald Trump’s presidency. Dr. Rowley had previously articulated a desire to strengthen U.S.-Trinidad and Tobago relations in his correspondence with President Trump. In response to Persad-Bissessar, he stated, “Well this is an even more unpatriotic act,” condemning her comments as detrimental to Trinidad and Tobago’s interests.
The Prime Minister labeled Persad-Bissessar’s remarks as unwise and warned that they might prompt negative consequences for Trinidad and Tobago’s dealings with Venezuela. He emphasized, “This is an attempt to provoke [the Venezuelan government] to scuttle any favorable dealings with Trinidad and Tobago…” Dr. Rowley noted the irony in her use of the term “kleptocratic,” questioning the integrity of the opposition party’s motivations in disrupting national interests, and cautioned the public to remain vigilant.
In summary, Prime Minister Dr. Rowley criticized Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her negative comments regarding the Venezuelan government, arguing that such statements threaten the Dragon gas deal’s viability. He highlighted the potential consequences of her remarks for Trinidad and Tobago’s energy agreements. The Prime Minister called for citizens to recognize the detrimental impact of the opposition’s actions on national interests and future energy security.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
