Port-of-Spain – It was not exactly a propitious start to the New Year when 2016 ended with State-owned Petrotrin placing its technical management on full alert to ensure its Pointe-a-Pierre refinery remain in a position to meet national fuel demand.
The move came following the Oilfields Workers Trade Union threatening to issue strike notice today should the zero-zero-zero offer to over 4,450 workers not be resolved. Late last week the OWTU warned the public to brace for a gas shortage.
Following failed talks between the union and Petrotrin, OWTU’s president Ancel Roget grew even more militant in condemning those opposed to his oil workers. Roget insists the OWTU’s demand of ten percent for the 2014-2017 negotiating period remains reasonable.
He explained the OWTU would consider whatever reasonable offer Petrotrin is willing to give for the 2011-2014 negotiating period for the workers.
Last Thursday’s tripartite talks among officials of the union, Petrotrin, and the Ministry of Labour, broke down with the company maintaining its zero-zero-zero offer for the 2014-17 period. However, Roget maintained the conciliatory period for negotiations ended yesterday. The union’s next step would be to take strike action, he said.
Saying Petrotrin workers have not received a wage adjustment in over six years, Roget declared: “Therefore, it is unfair for those who provide a service from which everybody else benefit to risk their lives and limbs”.
He added while the salaries of oil workers were not being increased, companies selling automobiles, such as Neal and Massy, were declaring profits of (TT) $450 million.
News of imminent industrial action by OWTU did not go down well in the business sector.
President of the Petroleum Dealers’ Association, Robindranath Naraynsingh, said he would rather not think about the negative fallout of a strike for the New Year.
Said Naraynsingh : “We are deeply concerned about the implications of this possible action. We hope that the matter is resolved and it would not go on to have a shutdown, but let us not start to get into the, ‘What if they strike for 90 days’. I do not have any contingency plans, because I am very hopeful that this will not escalate to imperil all of us.”
Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce president Richie Sookhai said 2017 is not a time for the country to experience any kind of energy shortages, especially vehicle fuels.
“Small and medium enterprises are already barely surviving owing to the rising cost of doing business, and such, potential strike action will further exacerbate the present situation. This could lead to business closures and the imminent displacement of workers,” he said.
President of the San Fernando Business Association, Daphne Bartlett, sought to have the OWTU to hold its hand.
She said while Roget had a responsibility to OWTU members, he should also consider the cost to the country.
“I would ask Mr Roget to hold his hand. While he is well within his rights to bargain for his employers — because the workers are his employers — he also has to look at the economic state of the country at this time,” Bartlett said.
She added Petrotrin employees were well-paid and enjoyed a number of perks as it was.
“They get a $100 meal allowance every day. I have seen people use that to buy food for their entire families,” she said.
Citing the economic downturn and rising crime rates, Bartlett appealed to Roget not to put the country under further siege.
“We are under siege from all sides as it is. We can’t get foreign exchange to do business, burning and looting of business places is becoming more prevalent. We cannot leave our homes after dark. We don’t need the further stress of not being able to get gas to go out when we want to,” she said.
However, a militant Roget did not mince words for the business community, accusing them of double-standards in how workers are to be treated.
Said Roget: “I have absolutely no regard for the hypocrisy that can be clearly identified with the Chambers and these various business groupings. I did not hear them come out in condemnation of the corruption at Petrotrin. I did not hear them comment or condemn all of the excessive salaries to executive presidents, vice presidents, top level personnel in [Petrotrin]. I did not hear them come out in condemnation when you had persons being placed in top positions of the company even though those persons could not have done the job.”
In moves to get ready should the OWTU go into industrial action, late last week Petrotrin issued a memo to senior managers in all departments to brace for strike action. The memo also called on senior staffers to be prepared to solicit the resources of the company’s highly-trained technical staff.
In past shut-downs of the refinery due to labour unrest, Petrotrin was able to run its operations in the short term with a skeleton staff. However, while it was able to run the refinery, distribution of gas to service stations took a hit. In two instances of industrial unrest, the government called on members of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment to drive gas delivery trucks.
Petrotrin’s memo stated: “Everyone should be apprised of the pending action and that leadership management teams should note that persons who are critically needed for the operations, should be informed. Please ensure this memorandum finds the widest circulation with the attached message.”
One senior manager said the memo was based on the thinking while the company’s bulk of its 5,000 employees may go on strike, there should remain sufficient technical staff to run the refinery.
In another letter to employees to give the company’s perspective on the situation, Petrotrin cited the fall in oil prices to low revenue earnings in the midst of (TT) $1.2 billion debt payments to be made in 2017. The company did not have the money to make retroactive increase salary payments for the negotiating 2011-2014 period.
Stated the release: “Any increases in manpower cost will result in increased losses and further exacerbate our cash flow situation, thus exposing Petrotrin to the risk of funds not being available to meet operational requirements.”

Port-of-Spain – The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago has described 2016 as "an extremely difficult year for the energy sector", saying while oil prices have recovered from the depths experienced in the first half of the year, these remain at low levels.
"The structural changes to oil and gas markets that led to the low-price environment have not gone away and look set to continue," it said in a statement.
While Trinidad and Tobago has no control over international prices, it does have control over its own levels of production, the Chamber stated.
"The right policy environment could lead, in time, to increased production of both oil and natural gas. Over the past year production levels have continued to decline. Even with new gas coming on stream... gas production is likely to continue to decline over the first half of 2017," it warned, noting that towards the end of 2017 there should be modest increases in gas production.
Additionally, "If increases in production are to be sustained, policy decisions are required to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago is competitive and able to attract investment capital."
The Chamber said over the past year there have been significant discussions between the industry and the government on the new policy environment, including discussions on the structure of gas markets and taxation.
"However, clear, detailed policy statements and actual changes to the taxation regime have not yet been forthcoming. Our expectation is that these will be significantly advanced in the first few months of 2017," it stated.
The energy group said that competitiveness is not just important to attract investment capital in the energy sector, but is also vital if Trinidad and Tobago is to diversify its exports and increase the flow of foreign currency into the economy.
Said the group: "The Energy Chamber continues to see major opportunities to diversify our exports through the export of energy services. In 2016 we have been very active in securing opportunities for our companies in the emerging Guyanese oil industry, and we will continue to explore the opportunities in that new market actively in 2017."
It warned if Trinidad and Tobago is to become more competitive, it is vital that it dealt with issues of productivity.
Additionally, "The current low, and falling, levels of productivity in Trinidad and Tobago cannot continue if we want to diversify and create a more sustainable and secure future for all our citizens," it said, adding "reform of the industrial relations framework and the overall labour market is needed urgently.”
The Chamber said that it worked closely with various stakeholders in 2016 to develop clear proposals for a modern and progressive legislative framework, based on International Labour Organisation principles that will drive productivity and boost the country's competitiveness.
"We anticipate that these proposals will help shape the proposed new industrial relations and employment rights legislation that we expect to be introduced in Parliament during 2017. The past year was tough for the energy sector and 2017 is unlikely to be much better. However, we can change the key policy and legislative measures that are hampering the sustainable development of our economy and with these changes a bright future is still possible," it added.

Port-of-Spain – Chutney icon Anand Yankarran died of a heart attack at the Couva District Hospital on the morning of January 2. News of his passing sent chutney song enthusiasts – locally and abroad in the US and Canada – into grief.
Yankarran’s wife Vidia said the legendary singer woke up early Monday and was preparing to go for dialysis treatment.
“He was in a good mood speaking and smiling. Then, soon after he complained of chest pains. He was rushed to the Couva Hospital where he died,” she said.
Known as the King of Chutney, Yankarran was 51 when he died. He was born in Brickfield Village, Waterloo, Carapichaima, into a family of singers and musicians that included his father the late Isaac Yankarran. Father Isaac also passed away from heart disease in 1969, at the age of 37.
Awarded the Chaconia Medal – Silver in 1991, Yankarran was the sixth of seven children; brother, Rakesh, is also well-known in the music industry. Yankarran has been singing since the age of ten. He climbed to musical fame in 1998 with the release of ‘Nanda Baba’, a traditional chutney piece.
Soon after he was travelling abroad. His career kept growing with chutney hits as ‘Jo Jo-Tarsey Meira Jeera’, which was released in 2007. This composition earned him five awards in the 103 FM’s Hall of Fame and Music Awards. He also won awards for Best Lyricist, Best Male Chutney Artiste, Courts Trini Hit, Song of the Year and TSTT’S People’s Choice.
Yankarran created history by becoming the first ever Chutney Road March Champion of Trinidad and Tobago, with the prize similar to that awarded to Soca Road March champ Machel Montano – a new Mitsubishi Lancer.
Yankarran moved to New York in 2000. While there he composed several hits, among them: ‘Malineya’, ‘Humsa Bolaway’, ‘Laylo’, ‘Nanda Baba’, ‘Gunguroo Bajay’, ‘Indra Puri Say’, ‘Soch Samajh Abhiman’, ‘Ranga Dall’, ‘Bola Baba’, ‘Kya Kar Mai’, ‘Janay Maha’, and ‘Zindabad Trinbago’.
He studied music theory with musicians Bansraj Ramkissoon, Mungal Patasar, Pradip Shankar, Sunil Verma, and Kavita Verma. He was taught to play the harmonium by brother Rakesh, and was versatile with the dholak, tabla, and sitar.
However, ill-health began taking its toll. In May of 2008 he suffered a stroke, but following recovery, he was back on the musical charts with a new CD, ‘Anand Strikes Back’. He leaves to mourn his wife Vidia and a daughter Deepa.
Expressing condolences to the family, Opposition MP for Couva North Ramona Ramdial described him as the East Indian classical and chutney musical icon. President of the National Chutney Foundation Dr Vijay Ramlal and Chutney Soca Monarch promoter, George Singh said Yankarran was a true musical pioneer adding, his passing is a great loss to the local East Indian music industry.
Chairman of the Divali Nagar, Surujdeo Mangaroo, said: “Anand was one of the sons of classical singing legend Isaac Yankarran, who contributed immensely to the cultural landscape of Trinidad, and by extension, the Caribbean. His passing will be a great loss to culture in this country.”
President of the National Council for Indian Culture Dr Deokinanan Sharma, extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Opposition MP for Oropouche East Dr Roodal Moonilal, said Yankarran’s death has robbed Trinidad and Tobago and the international musical community of one of its most accomplished, versatile, and respected entertainers.
“For a generation, the gifted Yankarran was an acclaimed chutney, crossover, bhajan and classical singer, performing his own compositions in his inimitable dynamic style in musical capitals around the world,” he said.

Port-of-Spain – Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has said the forecast for 2017 is “bleak” and people can expect increased stresses. However, she encouraged citizens to be optimistic and to put the country first.
In her New Year’s message she wished citizens, “A happy, healthy and productive New Year, one filled with hope and optimism”.
“The year that just ended has been an extremely difficult one for all of us. Crime remained a menace, with children and our elders becoming targets of killers and rapists; human trafficking was a disturbing and frightening reality, with women and girls being at greatest risk,” she said.
Additionally, “Our economy experienced its worst performance in our history and everywhere there were signs of a country on a downhill slide. The present regime has led us to a sharp economic decline, and its irresponsible policy of borrowing to fund recurrent expenditure is putting future generations in deep debt.”
She said added to this was the government’s “chronic lack of vision and the absence of any economic measure for growth and job creation”.
Said Persad-Bissessar: “I remain fearful for 2017 in every aspect of national life – the economy, national security, health care and social services. The forecast for 2017 is bleak and the stresses that so many of our citizens have felt for more than a year will no doubt increase.” However, she asked citizens to remain optimistic.
“Let us reflect on who we are and reaffirm our love and commitment to our country. If we can do that, we will rise again and make Trinidad and Tobago a better place for all of us. We can do it if we all work together, putting country first,” she said.
Additionally, “The divisiveness and political partisanship that is the hallmark of this administration is a cancer, and it will only go away when all of us decide this is our country and each of us has a responsibility to help make it the best it can be.”
Persad-Bissessar said “under different political circumstances” they would have worked with all stakeholders “to navigate these turbulent economic waters to achieve growth and expansion through our green, blue and silver economic models”, adding, “instead we find stagnation and a level of despondency our country has never experienced.”
She called on citizens to unite and work at nation-building since it is the only way forward, while stressing, “We cannot build a nation based on hate and political spite”.
Said Persad-Bissessar: “Today, citizens of this country are forced to carry the burden while those who govern treat you with contempt. The government has not kept a single promise, and there is every indication that they will continue this way in 2017 because they have no idea how to take us out of this crisis they manufactured to conceal their incompetence.”
Additionally: “We are governed by an administration that is handicapped by its arrogance and lack of vision and guided by a small elite that has no concerns for the people.”
Persad-Bissessar said as this country begins a new year, as was the situation in 2016, “unemployment is on the rise, the cost of living is pushing families to starvation, new taxes will erode your shrinking income and the elite they serve will continue to prosper”.
She declared: “So my message as we start 2017 is that while you must be aware of the new circumstances in which we must live, you must also take charge of your destiny and work together as one family to effect the change that is inevitable. You, the citizens of our nation must know your rights and stand up for them; indeed, you must demand that the government listen to your concerns.”
Persad-Bissessar intimated she is resolved to work harder in 2017 “to hold the government to account, and to try to push them to work towards enhancing your lives. Nothing is more important for me than the people of TT and my colleagues share this view”.
Also, “The uncertainties you feel today are natural and the circumstances are real. But let me assure you that we have faced similar circumstances before and we have overcome them. The darkest night ends with a new dawn that brings freshness and new hope.”

Port-of-Spain – Amidst threats of industrial action, a worsening crime situation, fiscal uncertainty and urgent calls to diversify the economy, the Cabinet of the People’s National Movement administration is now at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s for a two-day retreat.
The agenda for the event was not given to the media.
In a brief statement, the Office of the Prime Minister said during the two-day event, the Cabinet also will meet with other non-Cabinet members of government and permanent secretaries.
The statement said following the deliberations, there will be a media briefing, hosted by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, Communications and Public Administration Minister Maxie Cuffie, and Minister in the Office of the Attorney General Stuart Young.
The statement provided no further details. However, it came following killings between last Friday night and the early hours of Saturday morning that pushed the country’s murder toll to a year-end total of 462.
Cuffie described the retreat as merely “a planning exercise”, saying: “There is nothing more that I can add to it. We had a retreat last year. All administrations have retreats.”
Cuffie added: “I think every government within the first year goes on a retreat and companies do it as well.” Retreats provided an opportunity to “look at your strategic objectives and you position yourself for the road ahead.”

Port-of-Spain – Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein last week made an appeal to private contractors, businessmen, and citizens to join his Ministry in its national clean-up drive.
Hosein made the call at a San Fernando City Hall meeting with mayors, chairmen and chief executive officers of the 14 regional corporations to discuss the plans for the campaign. He hoped he can achieve his goal through volunteerism.
“I asked all the mayors, chairmen and CEO’s of all 14 corporations to come forward to have this meeting in San Fernando about a national clean-up, which is scheduled to start in the second week in January,” he said.
He added: “The clean-up campaign involves removal of derelict vehicles, taking down all dilapidated buildings, getting rid of old tires, batteries, cleaning of underground drains, cleaning up of open lots, basically it’s cleaning of the country.”
Hosein said that although the first meeting was hosted by the council he once led, he was not showing favouritism but rather hoping to visit each corporation at least once a month.
While the idea of the campaign was widely embraced, several chairmen, including head of the Couva-Tabaquite-Talparo Regional Corporation Henry Awong, and Sangre Grande Regional Corporation chairman Martin Terry Rondon, expressed concern about getting contractors and citizens to volunteer time and equipment.
Both chairmen were uncertain about getting contractors to commit to the entirety of the operation without being paid.
In response, Kazim said: “Some of the chairmen were thinking about funding, now while we are in a period where funding is little we are calling the volunteers, especially the contractors and people who live within each community to come forward and assist in each area by cleaning up their villages, their cities, wherever they might live.”
He recalled the success of the clean-up campaign in the San Fernando City Corporation, which he spearheaded during his tenure as mayor.
“When I did it in San Fernando, it was very successful and people have heard about it (national campaign) and for the last three or four days, even Christmas Day, people were calling me – contractors and even ordinary citizens – want to be a part of this clean-up drive, I assure you all it will be a success.”
Regarding the cost to the Ministry, Hosein said a budget had not been finalised but it will be small.