The San Fernando Business Association (SFBA) has enthusiastically endorsed the Trinidadian government’s decision to recommission the Pointe-a-Pierre petroleum refinery, characterizing the move as a crucial economic stimulus for southern Trinidad and a transformative development for national prosperity.
SFBA President Daphne Bartlett, in an official December 7 statement, expressed the association’s profound satisfaction with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration for honoring its campaign commitment to restart refinery operations. Bartlett emphasized that the facility’s 2018 closure severely disrupted foreign exchange revenues, paralyzed ancillary industries, and exacerbated resource allocation challenges.
“During its operational peak, the refinery generated substantial profitability through aviation fuel exports and international sales, earning critical foreign currency,” Bartlett explained. “Domestically, we utilized Trinidad and Tobago dollars for fuel purchases while bitumen by-products maintained our road infrastructure. Since the shutdown, we’ve been forced to import these commodities with limited foreign reserves, directly contributing to our deteriorating road conditions.”
Bartlett further highlighted the reactivation’s potential to revitalize adjacent communities historically dependent on Petrotrin and its supply chain for employment. “Economic activity generates commercial vitality. Enterprises throughout the San Fernando region will experience renewed growth, and secondary operations will reactivate. This initiative represents a comprehensive national advantage,” she affirmed.
Addressing feedstock concerns, Bartlett noted the refinery’s historical reliance on imported crude to supplement domestic production. With emerging oil producers like Guyana and Suriname, plus potential Venezuelan supply partnerships, she expressed confidence in sustainable operational continuity. “The reopening illuminates a prosperous future. We appreciate the Prime Minister’s exemplary seasonal offering,” Bartlett concluded.
The business endorsement coincides with governmental advances in the reactivation process. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar convened with the refinery recommissioning committee—chaired by former energy minister Kevin Ramnarine—at the Diplomatic Centre on December 5 to evaluate progress. She reiterated commitments to procedural transparency and assured citizens that national interests would remain paramount.
Photographs from the December 4 meeting depicted Persad-Bissessar, Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal, and committee members examining interim strategic recommendations. Moonilal previously indicated that technical feasibility evaluations would conclude in early December, informing decisions regarding implementation schedules, financial investments, and capital needs.
Preliminary estimates suggest partial production could restart within 12-18 months, with complete operational restoration anticipated within three years. “We expect the assessment to deliver thorough analysis and a definitive strategic roadmap,” Moonilal stated, emphasizing that fiscal allocations and capital investments remain pivotal factors.
The refinery, formerly a cornerstone of Trinidad and Tobago’s economy, ceased operations in November 2018 during Petrotrin’s restructuring into Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Ltd. Its restoration constitutes one of the current administration’s most significant industrial projects, drawing intense scrutiny from energy sector participants, labor organizations, and regional allies.
As committee deliberations continue, the Prime Minister has guaranteed ongoing public updates—a commitment aligning with SFBA’s advocacy for economic confidence and regional rejuvenation in southern Trinidad.