The mothballed refinery at Pointe-a-Pierre. AZP News/Prior Beharry
THE United National Congress (UNC) has stood firm against criticisms regarding its role in dissuading Indian industrialist Naveen Jindal from investing in the mothballed Petrotrin oil refinery.
In a UNC’s weekly press briefing on Sunday, Opposition Senator Wade Mark dismissed Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s accusations over the UNC’s scrutiny of Jindal following his visit to Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) in June to discuss the refinery.
Senator Mark’s comments came in the wake of Prime Minister Rowley’s announcement on Friday that Jindal, chairman of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, had retracted his interest, allegedly due to attacks from the Opposition. Rowley disclosed this at the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) Diego Martin West 51st constituency conference.
Mark defended the opposition’s actions, stating they were fulfilling their duty by raising concerns about Jindal, who faces corruption and money laundering charges in India, including allegations of bribing a government minister for coal mining concessions.
“It is our duty and responsibility as the Opposition and the alternative government and the government in waiting to raise issues surrounding the public interest,” Mark said.
He said, “We are standing in a gap between a corrupt, lying and thieving administration and the people’s welfare, safety, and security in T&T.”
Mark denied allegations that the UNC was trying to deter foreign investment, citing the party’s record under former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, which he claimed attracted billions in direct foreign investment, though he did not specify any projects.
The UNC senator criticised Rowley and his Cabinet for failing to conduct proper due diligence on Jindal before entering discussions. He claimed that concerns about Jindal could have been easily uncovered through a simple internet search.
“I am not casting any aspersions on anyone, but I find it strange that the Government of this country finds itself being associated with some very questionable and suspicious characters and companies whose track records in terms of performance leave a lot to be desired,” Mark said.
Mark also referenced a donation of rice and cooking oil from the Haryana State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Limited (HAFED), announced by Rowley last month, suggesting Jindal had close ties to an official of that company. He questioned Jindal’s genuine interest in the refinery, citing similar patterns in Bolivia where Jindal’s company had dealings.
Dr Rowley, meanwhile, suggested that the Opposition’s actions were to be blamed for Jindal’s decision to withdraw. “This is an investor who was prepared to consider putting in a bid in the offer of approximately US$700 million to bring that refinery into operation,” Rowley said.
He accused the Opposition of preferring to leave the refinery idle rather than see it restarted for the benefit of T&T’s people.
Rowley said that the refinery required significant upgrades, including modern technology, to be viable again. He said that Jindal’s company had the capability to undertake such a project, unlike other entities that had previously shown interest.
In his withdrawal letter, Jindal expressed his disappointment, stating, “The character assassination I experienced merely for considering the investment opportunity in the Guaracara refinery was deeply disheartening and discouraging.” He warned that his experience might also deter other potential investors.
