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Former Prime Minister and former Energy Minister Stuart Young has launched a scathing attack on the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration, accusing the United National Congress (UNC) Government of destroying Trinidad and Tobago's energy sector through incompetence and failed commercial negotiations. In a strongly worded video statement, Young described the administration as a "kakistocracy" while pointing to developments involving Nutrien, Methanex and Proman as evidence of what he considers serious failures in energy management. His criticism comes as approximately 100 employees have been retrenched by Proman Trinidad, representing a nine per cent reduction in its local workforce. Proman attributed the reductions to a global organisational alignment exercise amid challenging operating conditions. Young also addressed Nutrien's decision to indefinitely shut down its nitrogen operations at Point Lisas, questioning suggestions that another investor could simply acquire and operate the facility. He argued that Nutrien's international shipping arrangements, established customer relationships and economies of scale would be extremely difficult for a new operator to replicate. Young further accused the chairman and board of the National Gas Company (NGC) of being unable to negotiate commercially viable arrangements for purchasing and selling natural gas. He cited Methanex's decision to indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant following unsuccessful gas contract negotiations as another example of the difficulties facing the industry. NGC has previously maintained that it negotiated constructively and in good faith with Methanex, with commercial pricing being the principal issue preventing an agreement. Young warned that the consequences extend beyond plant operations, affecting workers, families, government revenue, foreign exchange earnings and businesses dependent on the energy industry. He also alleged that widespread job losses had affected restaurants, bars, small commercial enterprises and public sector programmes and organisations, including URP, CPEP, WASA, HDC, Heritage and NGC. Those broader employment claims were not accompanied by independently verified figures. The former Prime Minister also criticised the Government's legislative agenda, specifically referencing special operations legislation and proposed amendments to municipal corporations legislation. He alleged that the measures threaten democratic freedoms and accused the administration of attempting to manipulate administrative boundaries and the allocation of resources for political advantage. These remain allegations made by Young rather than established findings about the legislation. Turning to the national budget, Young urged citizens to be sceptical of government promises, questioning whether the administration could deliver on its commitments. He concluded by expressing concern about the country's economic direction and praying for God's continued blessings upon Trinidad and Tobago. His remarks add to growing political debate over the management of the country's natural gas resources, the future of downstream manufacturing and employment security at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.
Former Prime Minister and former Energy Minister Stuart Young has launched a scathing attack on the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration, accusing the United National Congress (UNC) Government of destroying Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector through incompetence and failed commercial negotiations.
In a strongly worded video statement, Young described the administration as a “kakistocracy” while pointing to developments involving Nutrien, Methanex and Proman as evidence of what he considers serious failures in energy management.
His criticism comes as approximately 100 employees have been retrenched by Proman Trinidad, representing a nine per cent reduction in its local workforce.
Proman attributed the reductions to a global organisational alignment exercise amid challenging operating conditions.
Young also addressed Nutrien’s decision to indefinitely shut down its nitrogen operations at Point Lisas, questioning suggestions that another investor could simply acquire and operate the facility.
He argued that Nutrien’s international shipping arrangements, established customer relationships and economies of scale would be extremely difficult for a new operator to replicate.
Young further accused the chairman and board of the National Gas Company (NGC) of being unable to negotiate commercially viable arrangements for purchasing and selling natural gas.
He cited Methanex’s decision to indefinitely idle its Titan methanol plant following unsuccessful gas contract negotiations as another example of the difficulties facing the industry.
NGC has previously maintained that it negotiated constructively and in good faith with Methanex, with commercial pricing being the principal issue preventing an agreement.
Young warned that the consequences extend beyond plant operations, affecting workers, families, government revenue, foreign exchange earnings and businesses dependent on the energy industry.
He also alleged that widespread job losses had affected restaurants, bars, small commercial enterprises and public sector programmes and organisations, including URP, CPEP, WASA, HDC, Heritage and NGC.
Those broader employment claims were not accompanied by independently verified figures.
The former Prime Minister also criticised the Government’s legislative agenda, specifically referencing special operations legislation and proposed amendments to municipal corporations legislation.
He alleged that the measures threaten democratic freedoms and accused the administration of attempting to manipulate administrative boundaries and the allocation of resources for political advantage.
These remain allegations made by Young rather than established findings about the legislation.
Turning to the national budget, Young urged citizens to be sceptical of government promises, questioning whether the administration could deliver on its commitments.
He concluded by expressing concern about the country’s economic direction and praying for God’s continued blessings upon Trinidad and Tobago.
His remarks add to growing political debate over the management of the country’s natural gas resources, the future of downstream manufacturing and employment security at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.
News Desk is the editorial publishing account for Tringlobe Media News, covering breaking news, public affairs, entertainment, community developments and regional stories across Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and internationally.
