Trinidad regrets not partnering more with Guyana, wants greater support now 

Expressing deep regret that previous Trinidadian governments did not do more to partner with emerging Caribbean oil producers, the twin-island republic’s Energy Minister, Roodal Moonilal, said he is hopeful that Guyana can help revitalise Trinidad and Tobago’s oil refinery.

Moonilal spoke at Guyana’s Energy Conference on Wednesday alongside Suriname’s Minister of Oil, Gas, and Environment Patrick Brunings and Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat.

Ahead of his presentation, his intention to seek Guyana’s support was well-publicised. Still, Moonilal shared that interest clearly, pitching Trinidad as a solid partner given the country’s long history in the oil and gas sector.

“We were disappointed that over the years, a former [Trinidadian] administration may not have taken advantage and worked with the Government of Guyana to advance our mutual development,” Moonilal lamented.

However, he said the new Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration is serious about this partnership with Guyana and Suriname.

One key focus is restarting operations at the Pointe-a-Pierre Refinery, better known as the Petrotrin refinery. This refinery was closed in 2018, and Moonilal said Trinidad is “encouraged” to work with Guyana and other stakeholders to reopen that facility. That facility can process about 150,000 barrels of oil daily, and the Energy Minister said those barrels of oil could come from regional producers.

He also highlighted that Trinidad has petrochemical projects —from ammonia to LNG plants— operating below optimal capacity that could support the regional ventures.

The Trinidadian Minister also pushed for a regional forum where Energy Ministers meet regularly to collaborate and align their developmental ventures. He believes that meeting could stop countries from duplicating efforts and better support each other.

Soon after, Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat confirmed that discussions between the two countries, and Suriname, are ongoing. Together, he said, the three countries could support the Caribbean’s energy needs. He also said investors in Guyana are being encouraged to review additional opportunities in Trinidad.