Chamber: Don’t celebrate too soon

“This significant find unlocks approximately two trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas, which when monetised by 2020 - 2021, is likely to translate into major social benefits to the people. “While the prospects are quite favourable, with improvements in our gas supply, it is sobering to note that the recent discoveries do not signal the immediate end to the revenue-generating challenge our country is currently experiencing,” the chamber said in a press release.

Urging that TT does not, ‘lose sight of our larger national goals and objectives towards a transformed and diversified economy’, the Chamber yesterday said while BPTT’s find will undoubtedly foster foreign direct investment in the upstream, “We must work determinedly towards change in the downstream sectors and industries.” Be it in business, government or the labour movement, the chamber cautioned that TT can, at times, become preoccupied with short-term successes that provide mere transitory relief.

“(We are) of the firm view that on this occasion and going forward, nothing must distract us from our long-term commitment to a transformed economy.

There is a great deal more to be done...

At all costs, we must avoid being lulled into complacency or sidetracked by short-term successes,” the Chamber stated.