The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is taking steps to return the country to its rightful place as “the energy hub of the Caribbean” and to advance the fulfilment of outstanding commitments made to former Petrotrin Refinery employees.
Speaking at a remembrance ceremony marking the closure of Petrotrin, Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries Ernesto Kesar explained to members of the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union (OTWU) that the Government is taking specific steps to benefit the local oil and gas industry.
“We took a decision very early we want back we main office. We need to put back Heritage logo and make that office a hub in South for energy. So that we have already made the necessary instructions to have the office, the building itself, returned to the Ministry of Energy so that we can continue to do the work.”
Reading from an official report, Minister Kesar revealed that 2,814 former refinery workers applied to the Land Settlement Agency’s lottery immediately after their termination. Of those, only 238 received a commitment.
He further disclosed that he has received direct instructions from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
“To prepare a report for the perusal of the Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago that would encompass all of the workers of Petrotrin, all, all, all, permanent, casual, temporary, for consideration. Listen to my words carefully, eh: for consideration and approval where necessary by the cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago to be given the land that was committed to you, all.”