PM’s Media Conference On UNC's Claims On Refinery Purchase – Wednesday November 11th, 2020

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley held a Media Conference to clarify statements made by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Patriotic’s proposed bid to purchase the Guaracara Refinery and other assets. At a UNC Virtual Meeting on Monday, the Opposition Leader claimed that Patriotic’s 2020 bid, which included ongoing negotiations in commercial matters and Non-Disclosure Agreements, was ‘dropped in her mailbox.’ The Prime Minister believes the Opposition Leader made the statements as an act of desperation for the heat she was facing over plagiarising a congratulatory message to the US President Elect, Joe Biden. He said negotiations with Patriotic is at a sensitive stage and the Opposition Leader is implying that the Government is doing something “under the table” but this is not the case. He stated that Patriotic remains the preferred bidder but if negotiations fall apart with Patriotic, Government will have to end the relationship and go back to market. PM Rowley said the revelations by the Opposition are a blow and shot under the belly to the OWTU and Patriotic in their attempt to break a mould and try to get into business. He stated that the Opposition Leader has put this project in jeopardy by engaging in “self-destructive, undermining conduct, hoping to destroy any success in this matter." He called on her to stop campaigning and attempting to scare bankers and fuel suppliers who are now the target of political attacks in Trinidad and Tobago. He believes the Opposition is attempting to undermine the project in the same way which led to Sandals pulling out of the Tobago project. But he said the election is over and she should let good sense to prevail. In his response, Finance Minister Colm Imbert said it was public knowledge that Patriotic was the preferred bidder for the sale of the Guaracara Refinery and Paria Fuel Trading. He clarified that the Opposition Leader was incorrect to say that the Refinery cannot be sold because there is a lien on some of the assets at this time. He also confirmed that Patriotic was asked what fiscal incentives or tax concessions they would require over a year ago, and their requests would be considered. Energy Minister Franklin Khan reminded that the oil and gas industry is international, and Trinidad and Tobago is highly respected globally, especially when it comes to the “sanctity of the contract.” Minister Khan said the Opposition Leader committed a "cardinal sin against the people of Trinidad and Tobago."