Rowley Reignites Petrotrin Shutdown Debate

Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley recently reignited discussions on the closure of Petrotrin by reposting a video in which he explained his decision behind the shutdown. Highlighting the financial challenges Petrotrin was facing, Rowley outlined that the refinery was operating at a consistent loss, and a looming payment of US$850 million threatened to push Trinidad and Tobago into an IMF program and devalue their currency. Rowley defended the politically unpopular decision as necessary to protect the nation’s economy. He also highlighted the provision of TT$2.7 billion in compensation to displaced workers and the creation of Heritage Petroleum as positive outcomes of the restructuring. As debates over Petrotrin’s legacy continue, Rowley’s reposting of the video seems to be a reminder of the high-stakes context of the refinery’s closure.