The Confederation of Regional Business Chambers (CRBC) is ready to collaborate on the Government’s plan to oversee the reopening of the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery, but their exact role remains unclear.
This was the word from the confederation’s coordinator Jaishima Leladharsingh yesterday, in the wake of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s revelation that Government would set up a committee to assess and manage the process of restarting the refinery.
“We had an initial agreement to collaborate (with labour representatives), but there have been no further conversations since then,” Leladharsingh told Guardian Media.
Persad-Bissessar made the announcement during the Labour Day celebrations in Fyzabad, as she pointed out that the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery has been idle since its closure by the previous administration.
“The Government recognises the importance of the refinery to Trinidad and Tobago’s energy security and economic future,” Persad-Bissessar said.
“We are committed to bringing together all relevant stakeholders — labour, industry, and Government — to ensure this process is transparent and effective.”
Yesterday, Leladharsingh revealed that a second meeting involving the confederation and labour representatives is planned to clarify their involvement.
“To say there is something definitive at this point would be premature,” he explained.
“Right now, the confederation sits and waits, hoping to be included as part of this committee. As discussions continue, it’s crucial that all voices are heard to guarantee the refinery’s successful and sustainable restart.”