Minister: Black brothers stop killing black brothers

WITH THE energy sector poised to maintain the position as the highest provider of revenue in Trinidad and Tobago, Energy Minister, Eric Williams explaianed on Friday night that the country needs trained nationals to ensure that this bcomes a reality in earnest.

Williams was one of three government Ministers who spoke at Harpe Place  in support of four Port-of-Spain City Corporation candidates for the July 14 Local Government elections. The other Ministers who spoke were Dr Keith Rowley - Planning and Development and John Rahael - Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources. The four candidates are Janice Wallace-Henry, Port-of-Spin North, Jennel (Millie) Young, Belmont South; McDonald Morris, East Dry River and Neuburn Clarke, St Ann’s River North. Eric Williams preambled his speech by stating that having returned from an energy conference in Tokyo, he could say with confidence that Trinidad and Tobago is on the world energy map, in a big way. “They only sang the praises of Trinidad and Tobago as being the number one exporter of ammonia, methanol and urea in the world”, said Williams.

Also, he said, Trinidad and Tobago is recognised as the fifth largest exporter of Liquefied Natural Gas in the world, “and the revenue is coming”. Disclosing the the National Energy Skills Centre will be located at the Old Rum Bond in Laventille,” he called on the people of Trinidad and Tobago to take advantage of the opportunities being offered with the current state of affairs. Then he disclosed that there will be a shortage of over 1,190 engineering technicians over the next five years. “Also, there will be a shortage of 590 skilled craftsmen and machinists over the next five years”. This was why he implored young people to pursue higher education if they want to fit into the scheme of things. Stressing that the government is in the process of expanding the energy sector, Williams advised that tertiary education is the way to go. “This is why we are building a new University at Wallerfield — the University of Trinidad and Tobago”. And here is where people from behind the bridge, meaning  East of the St Ann’s River — the East Dry River — could come in and Laventille as a whole could come in. “They can achieve too.” He stressed that he was talking from the bottom of his heart when he advised: “Black brothers must stop killing black brothers. And you parents must stop encouraging this foolishness.”