Economist Dr. Anthony Gonzales Comments on Strained Venezuela-Trinidad Relations Amidst Oil Spill Dispute and Energy Deals
Economist Dr. Anthony Gonzales has provided insights into the complex and strained relationship between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago, particularly in the context of an alleged oil spill and ongoing energy deals. According to Dr. Gonzales, while the current Venezuelan regime may harbor resentment towards Trinidad and Tobago, they are pragmatic and will continue to engage in energy agreements, such as the recent deal with Shell to extract natural gas from the Loran field. This gas, totaling 1.7 trillion cubic feet, is slated for export to Trinidad and Tobago via the Shell-owned Manatee platform. Dr. Gonzales suggests that Venezuela's actions, including raising the oil spill issue and not entertaining ministerial visits, are signals of their displeasure, indicating that the relationship is unlikely to progress beyond transactional government-to-government matters. This comes amidst claims from Venezuela of a second major oil spill originating from Trinidadian waters, which Trinidad's state-owned Heritage...
