Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament witnessed a heated exchange between Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal and Opposition MP Stuart Young, culminating in mutual apologies after devolving into personal insults during official proceedings. The confrontation emerged during questioning about procurement practices at state-owned energy companies.
MP Young initiated the inquiry by demanding transparency regarding Phoenix Park Gas Processors Ltd’s alleged acquisition of medical imaging equipment, specifically a GE MRI machine and CT scanner. He pressed for details including the supplier identity, individual item costs, and procurement methodology. Minister Moonilal categorically denied any such procurement activities by PPGPL.
The exchange intensified when Young questioned whether PPGPL and National Gas Company (NGC) chairman Gerald Ramdeen had instructed staff to cancel orders from original manufacturer GE and redirect procurement to an inexperienced vendor. Moonilal’s dismissive response prompted Young to label him a “class clown,” triggering intervention from House Speaker Jagdeo Singh who mandated an apology.
The scrutiny extended to NGC’s executive appointments, particularly the hiring of vice-president of Finance Shiva Ramnarine. Minister Moonilal detailed a rigorous September 2025 recruitment process involving five candidates, emphasizing compliance with NGC’s employment policies. Young attempted to question Ramnarine’s professional history, suggesting previous terminations from Caribbean Airlines and Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago, but the Speaker ruled these inquiries irrelevant.
Further controversy arose regarding the Cabinet-appointed committee for reopening the Guaracara refinery. Moonilal disclosed that former energy minister Kevin Ramnarine chairs the committee, confirming that no members have received compensation to date. The minister clarified that Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Ltd would administer honoraria payments pending government and board approvals.