Young: PP caused MTHL problem

“MTHL’s first contract expired in 2013. They (PP) did nothing to re-negotiate.” Young continued, “All the other contracts then starting expiring in 2015. They did nothing about it and now have the audacity to say it is us?” The minister disclosed that Government is “very deep in negotiations” with MTHL.

Government MPs thumped their desks as Young declared, “We intend to come to a resolution and this government is going to strive to save every single job.” Rejecting Tewarie’s claim that Government has created “a war zone” in Point Lisas, Young countered that the National Gas Company (NGC) is now facing billions of dollars in claims from energy companies that were filed under the previous administration in August 2015. He said these companies were forced to go to litigation because the last government refused to sit and talk with them.

Young also alleged that at the Estate Management Business Development Corporation (EMBD), the Government discovered that the PP government presided over a situation where $400 million was spent on roads which were never built. He asked Opposition MPs, “Is that how you manage the country?” Reminding MPs that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley is leading a “small delegation” to meet with executives of BP, Shell and Exxon in Houston next Wednesday, Young said this was nothing like the delegations in the PP’s tenure which comprised, “their sister, their brother, their hairdresser, a handbag carrier.” He reiterated that Government hopes to conclude a gas sales agreement regarding Venezuela’s Dragon Field by July and Rowley’s mission to Houston is another avenue aimed at the country’s development. In his earlier contribution, Tewarie said it was unfair for Government to reintroduce the property tax now. He also said Government could not sell off State Enterprises, “just so.” While he admitted that some State Enterprises should be sold, Tewarie said this had to be done in a particular way. Claiming citizens and business people were becoming frustrated by the PNM’s inactions on the economy, Tewarie said, “This government does not inspire confidence in anything.