Ex-PM Young Blames Administration for Indefinite Shutdown of Methanex Plant

Former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Stuart Young, has raised serious accusations against the current Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration. He alleges the government’s failure to secure commercial terms led to the indefinite shutdown of Methanex’s Titan methanol plant. Young warns that this shutdown will negatively impact jobs, foreign exchange earnings, and the broader economy.

In a statement shared on social media, Young criticized the government’s ‘inability to negotiate commercial terms’ and accused the administration of incompetence in handling discussions with the energy company. He compared the current government’s approach unfavorably with that of the People’s National Movement (PNM), stating the latter had successfully negotiated agreements from 2015 to 2025 that ensured the gas sector’s continued operation.

The former Prime Minister also alleged that the current administration had significantly weakened the country’s energy sector in less than a year. His stern conclusion asked, ‘Who is winning?’

His comments followed Methanex’s announcement of the indefinite shutdown of its Titan methanol plant, a decision that has raised serious concerns about the future of Trinidad and Tobago’s downstream energy industry. The government has yet to publicly respond to Young’s allegations or provide details of their negotiations with Methanex.

The plant’s closure has reignited debates about the health of the country’s natural gas sector, with stakeholders expected to pay close attention to any further announcements from both the government and the company about the reasons behind the shutdown and the future of the facility.