KAY-MARIE FLETCHER
Senior Reporter
kay-marie.fletcher@guardian.co.tt
The business community is hoping for a smooth transition of power when Energy and Energy Industries Minister Stuart Young takes over from Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on March 16.
After the Prime Minister gave his retirement date yesterday, several chambers thanked Dr Rowley for his service and his relationship with the chambers over the years.
Speaking via telephone yesterday, Greater San Fernando Business Chamber president Kiran Singh said Young’s experience as Energy Minister will assist him in negotiating future agreements as prime minister when Rowley departs.
Singh said, “The Prime Minister (Dr Rowley) has worked well with the business community over the years as prime minister. We expect that that will continue with the new prime minister in the person of Stuart Young... Given his experience in the energy industry, we expect that will augur well for him because of the fact that the economy is facing some real challenges from an energy perspective with soft prices in the petrochemical sector and of course, we have our reserves have been depleted somewhat, so we need that level of experience. He would have been in several discussions and negotiations over the last few years, locally and internationally, with finalising and negotiating different agreements for the benefit of the T&T economy and we definitely expect that that will assist him in also negotiating future agreements. We have the Dragon Gas deal coming up, the Manatee field, and these are showing strong prospects for development to provide some trillion cubic feet of gas.”
Meanwhile, Confederation of Business Chamber president Jai Leladharsingh said, “We look forward to a smooth process and a stable environment so business could continue to operate.”
Sending its best wishes to Rowley, the American Chamber of Commerce of T&T (AMCHAM TT) and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce said they remain committed to engaging with Government.
In a release yesterday, AMCHAM TT said, “The American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM T&T) expresses its gratitude to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley for his service and leadership to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, following his announcement of his resignation date. While we may have had differences in policy perspectives from time to time, and there is much work still to be done, AMCHAM T&T recognises Dr Rowley’s pivotal role in navigating the nation through significant challenges and achievements. Notably, he is the first Prime Minister in the nation’s history to voluntarily relinquish office, and we commend his commitment to ensuring a smooth and orderly transition of power. We extend our best wishes to him in his future endeavours. As the Honourable Stuart Young, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, prepares to assume the role of Prime Minister, AMCHAM T&T remains committed to working alongside the government to support a seamless transition and a prosperous future for all citizens.”
The T&T Chamber also said it looked forward to collaborating with incoming leadership.
In a release yesterday, it said, “The Chamber also takes note of the decision by the Government to appoint Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Stuart Young SC, as the acting prime minister. As the country prepares for the transition in leadership, we remain committed to engaging with the government to ensure continued progress in key areas, including economic growth, national security, and strengthening the business environment through effective public-private sector collaboration.”
It added, “The challenges ahead, particularly in addressing crime and fostering economic resilience, require a comprehensive and inclusive approach. We look forward to working closely with the incoming leadership to advance policies that enhance national development, economic diversification, and ease of doing business. As the voice of business, we remain steadfast in our advocacy for a stable and prosperous Trinidad and Tobago and will continue to champion initiatives that promote sustainable growth and investment in the country.”