Energy Minister Stuart Young says Government is taking a “wait and see approach” on whether US President Donald Trump’s policies will affect the Dragon Gas deal. However, he assures that T&T continues to engage US officials.
Earlier this week, President Trump announced the termination of a license that allowed Chevron to operate in Venezuela, which reverses a concession made during the Biden administration allowing Chevron to produce and export oil from Venezuela.
On Thursday morning, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, via a post on social media, said he is providing foreign policy guidance to terminate all Biden-era oil and gas licenses.
At Thursday’s Post Cabinet Media Briefing, Minister Young said the Government continues to use all channels possible to engage US officials.
“We continue to be engaged. We’re very aware of how important it is and who the decision makers are, and we will continue to do all that we can. Can we provide any assurance at this stage? The answer is obviously no. Are we engaged with the right people, we believe? We think we are and we will continue to work, and at every step of the way, if there is something for us to report, we will.”
Minister Young also criticised the Opposition for what he said was its continuing rhetoric.
“This deal and this transaction on cross-border gas is not for the PNM. It is not for UNC. It is not for any political entity. It is for you, you the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. This deal and that gas being delivered in 2027 is what is going to help us with the foreign exchange, it’s what’s going to help us continue paying the bills on your behalf, continuing in ensuring that there are drugs in the hospital. our children continue to receive education, and that is what we’ve consistently been fighting for. So all of those who want to call sanctions, all of those who want to attack the Venezuelan Government from small Trinidad and Tobago, our closest neighbour, that could never be good for Trinidad and Tobago.”
Minister Young said T&T also continues to have an ongoing relationship with officials from Shell and BP, who have been in discussions with him on the matter.