Davendranath Tancoo, MP for Oropouche West, did not hold back when criticizing the Prime Minister for his lack of due diligence concerning an Indian businessman looking to purchase the former Petrotrin refinery in Pointe-a-Pierre. Tancoo branded the PM as the “laziest PM ever” during the Opposition’s media briefing on July 28.
The controversy stems from the PM’s meeting with Indian businessman Naveen Jindal, chairman of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, who is facing corruption charges in India. Despite concerns raised about Jindal’s integrity, the PM dismissed critics and referred to opponents of Venezuelan oil being refined at the refinery as “idiots.”
Tancoo pointed out that Energy Minister Stuart Young had met with Jindal a year ago, casting doubt on the PM’s claim of being unaware of the potential investor’s reputation. He criticized the PM for attacking those who questioned the investor’s background rather than focusing on the investor’s convictions.
Furthermore, Tancoo accused the PM of showing favoritism by promoting his meeting with Jindal, while the refinery tendering process was ongoing and other potential investors were being ignored. He emphasized that transparency and accountability should not deter genuine investors from engaging in business in Trinidad and Tobago.
Moreover, Tancoo highlighted previous instances where the PM’s actions brought into question his credibility, such as the closure of the Petrotrin refinery after promising otherwise, and misleading the public on various matters, including a controversial meeting with Venezuelan officials in 2020.
As Tancoo called out the PM for his alleged missteps, citing a decline in foreign direct investments during the PNM administration, he urged the PM to take responsibility for the country’s economic prospects. The ongoing saga surrounding the Petrotrin refinery deal continues to be a focal point of concern and scrutiny for the government.
