Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has reinforced her administration’s dedication to transparent governance regarding the proposed reactivation of the former Petrotrin oil refinery in Pointe-a-Pierre. The commitment was formally articulated during a high-level meeting with the Refinery Reactivation Committee at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s, where officials examined recent developments concerning the facility’s potential restart.
The government’s official communication emphasized Persad-Bissessar’s unwavering focus on “transparency, national benefit, and ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago advances with a refinery plan that truly serves our people.” The administration pledged to provide regular public updates as deliberations continue to evolve.
Chaired by former energy minister Kevin Ramnarine, the specialized committee is evaluating the feasibility of resuming operations at the industrial complex, which ceased operations in November 2018 during Petrotrin’s restructuring into Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Ltd (TPHL). The refinery’s revival constituted a central campaign promise of the United National Congress (UNC) party during the April 28 general election.
Current Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal provided technical insights, indicating that partial production could potentially resume within 12-18 months, with full operational capacity achievable within approximately 36 months. However, he clarified that this timeline remains contingent upon capital expenditure requirements and financial arrangements, which the committee’s comprehensive report is expected to address in detail.
Photographic evidence from the meeting revealed officials examining an interim assessment document, which Moonilal characterized as providing “an important map as to how we move forward” based on established terms of reference. The final feasibility report was anticipated for delivery in early December, representing a critical milestone in determining the project’s viability and implementation framework.