La Brea oilspill: Nicole on the case

“I, in fact, conducted my own investigation,” the minister said during Question Time.

“The spill has reached as far as the shoreline.” Olivierre said as part of the normal protocol, several agencies were engaging the situation including the Ministry of Energy in collaboration with the Environmental Management Authority and Petrotrin in order “to ascertain the source.” She said Petrotrin is employing “natural mechanical clean-up operations” and contractors had been hired. However, residents have complained about the engagement of some of these people.

The Senate paid tribute to Angus Albert Khan, a former senator who once worked as an administration manager at Tesoro and who served as a TT ambassador to the US in the NAR administration.

Independent Senator Dr Dhanayshar Mahabir described Khan as “a pioneer in the sector of oil and gas.” Also during Question Time, Olivierre said a US$9 million fraud case involving an unsanctioned transfer of funds from a National Energy Corporation (NEC) account held at First Citizens Bank remains pending. The funds were sent to entities in Antigua, Boston in the US and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In March 2016, a UAE court ruled in favour of the NEC.

However, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi is appealing, said the minister.

In a print advertisement published in May 2015, the NEC said the money, about $60 million, went to three countries: Antigua, the US and the UAE. It said the money had been recovered from recipient Steadroy CO Benjamin & Co of Antigua, WI, “as it had not yet reached the bank account of the recipient.” The sum here was about $24 million.

The NEC said in 2013 a settlement was reached with Central International Company LLC, Bank of America Boston, USA, after civil proceedings were initiated in October, 2011, and mediation proceedings in 2012 with First Citizens Bank. The sum settled was about US$6 million.

In relation to the UAE, where about US$20 million was sent to Andrew James Thomas Newman Inc, in October 2011, the NEC retained a law firm in Dubai — Ince & Co Middle East LLP — to seek its interest.

In 2011 and 2012, the NEC engaged high commissioners to the UK and Uganda “to seek their assistance with the recovery of the funds.” It did not give further details on the potential role of Uganda diplomats.

In 2013, the Public Prosecutor in Dubai indicated that the money should be returned to NEC after the completion of his country’s due process. In May, 2014, criminal charges were brought against the Dubai recipient for money laundering.

In August, 2014, civil proceedings were brought against the recipient by National Energy. November, 2014, saw a judgment in default of appearance and a three-year sentence handed down against the individual.

The Public Prosecutor advised that the funds would be returned by the Central Bank of the UAE.