Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago: A Complex Web of Deals and Diplomacy
Rowley and Kamla: A Bitter Rivalry
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad Bissessar have engaged in a heated verbal spat, with Rowley accusing Bissessar of attempting to damage or destroy an oil agreement between Caracas and Port of Spain.
Rowley’s Accusations
In a statement, Rowley said that Bissessar’s recent comments are an attempt to get the United States government to take action against Venezuela and damage or destroy the oil agreement. He claimed that Bissessar is trying to provoke the Maduro government to scuttle any favorable dealings with Trinidad and Tobago.
Bissessar’s Response
Bissessar, on the other hand, told supporters of the United National Congress (UNC) not to be fooled by Rowley’s decision to step down from office. She accused Rowley of fleeing the mess he has landed himself in with his dealings with the Maduro regime and his hand-picked successor, Minister Young, who facilitated these deals.
The Oil Agreement
The oil agreement between Caracas and Port of Spain is a 20-year natural gas production and exploration deal with BP and The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited. The agreement allows for production from the Cocuina gas field off the Venezuelan coast, with 25% of production supplying Trinidad’s petrochemical sector and the rest feeding the country’s LNG industry. The field is expected to produce an estimated 400 million cubic feet per day.
OFAC License
Trinidad and Tobago has also secured an amended OFAC license issued on October 17, 2023, which is valid until October 31, 2025. This license allows the country to continue doing business with Venezuela despite the sanctions imposed by the United States.
Conclusion
The rivalry between Rowley and Bissessar is a complex one, with both sides accusing each other of trying to damage or destroy the oil agreement between Caracas and Port of Spain. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the United States government will respond to the situation and what implications it will have for Trinidad and Tobago.
FAQs
- What is the nature of the oil agreement between Caracas and Port of Spain?
The agreement is a 20-year natural gas production and exploration deal with BP and The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited. - What is the purpose of the OFAC license?
The OFAC license allows Trinidad and Tobago to continue doing business with Venezuela despite the sanctions imposed by the United States. - What is the expected output of the Cocuina gas field?
The field is expected to produce an estimated 400 million cubic feet per day. - Who are the key players in this situation?
Dr. Keith Rowley, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and Kamla Persad Bissessar, the Opposition Leader, are the key players in this situation.
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