Opposition MP for Pointe-a-Pierre Dr David Lee says the global economic downturn has only been the “final nail in the coffin” for Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector, as he says the present reality is largely due to government’s mishandling of the country’s energy affairs over the last five years. 

Referencing the recent decision by Nutrien Limited to temporarily shutdown one of its ammonia plants in Point Lisas, Dr. Lee said he believed this was triggered by government’s “inability to create an environment which would have been able to provide stability, security, sustainability and growth in vulnerable times such as these.”

Speaking in the Senate on Wednesday, National Security Minister rejected a similar argument put forward by Opposition Senator Wade Mark, saying  “The demand in the Asian markets and in the European markets for the commodity products that come out of Point Lisas has been completely wiped out. There is no more demand so therefore the supply has been affected.” 

Dr. Lee said if government is really serious about protecting our energy sector, it must consider working with down streamers based on their requests for reduced prices of natural gas.”