PM Critiques Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Criticism of Venezuelan Government
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has criticized Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her comments regarding Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, claiming they endanger the Dragon gas deal between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. He described her remarks as ill-advised and pointed out the implications these political statements hold for the country’s future energy supplies.
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has publicly criticized Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her recent comments aimed at the Venezuelan government, which he claims jeopardize the Dragon gas deal between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. On February 25, Persad-Bissessar referred to President Nicolas Maduro’s administration as a “dictatorial, kleptocratic and drug-trafficking” regime and accused Energy Minister Stuart Young of facilitating the controversial deal.
Dr. Rowley indicated in a Facebook post on February 27 that Persad-Bissessar’s remarks are detrimental and ill-advised, suggesting her intent is to provoke negative repercussions on Trinidad and Tobago’s relations with Venezuela. He pointed to her past criticisms concerning the government’s efforts to secure the Dragon deal, which was reinstated following the issuance of a license by the Venezuelan government on December 21, 2023, with input from the Office of Foreign Assets Control.
The Prime Minister highlighted the potential risk that Persad-Bissessar’s statements pose to the US$1 billion Dragon gas agreement, which had previously been stalled due to US sanctions against Venezuela imposed in 2019. He recounted a letter to former President Trump in November 2020, wherein he emphasized the longstanding ties between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States, underscoring the importance of these relations for Trinidad and Tobago’s future gas supply.
Rowley remarked, “This is an even more unpatriotic act,” denouncing the Opposition Leader’s stance. He underscored the ironies of her use of the term “kleptocratic” to describe Maduro, questioning what the UNC would do to harm the nation. He further cautioned the public regarding the implications of her actions, stating, “We are being warned.”
In summary, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has strongly condemned Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s remarks on the Venezuelan government, asserting that they threaten the Dragon gas deal crucial for Trinidad and Tobago. Rowley emphasizes the risks involved and encourages the public to recognize the negative ramifications of such political rhetoric. The discourse surrounding this issue illustrates the complexities of international relations and energy dependencies.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
