Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley recently responded to accusations of corruption against potential investors coming to Trinidad and Tobago, particularly Naveen Jindal. Dr. Rowley emphasized the importance of not chasing away potential investors because of negative conversations. Naveen Jindal, Chairman of the Jindal Steel and Power Ltd in India, showed interest in the Petrotrin Refinery during a courtesy call to the Prime Minister.
The Petrotrin Refinery has been inactive for six years, but the government is hopeful that it can attract an investor. Jindal, known for his advocacy for women’s empowerment, faced charges of cheating and graft in India in 2013. Despite these allegations, he was elected as MP for the Haryana state in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
News of corruption allegations quickly spread to Trinidad and Tobago, leading to criticism from the Opposition and the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU). Dr. Rowley defended the interest shown by investors and highlighted his recent visit to India to advocate for TT’s interests.
During his visit, officials from the state of Haryana expressed interest in business and investment opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago. The Haryana state cooperative supply and marketing federation (HAFED) is considering establishing a rice mill in TT and plans to donate various types of rice and edible oils as a gesture of goodwill.
Dr. Rowley expressed gratitude for the gesture and stated that the Ministry of Trade will ensure the donation is received properly while the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services will organize the distribution of rice to the people of TT.
