Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley yesterday reiterated that Government intends to restructure struggling state-owned energy company Petrotrin, especially in the face of tough economic times.
He also warned People’s National Movement (PNM) MPs that after Labour Day on June 19 he will be examining their “score cards” to ensure they are working for the good of their constituencies.
These were among announcements made to party supporters and activists at the PNM’s sport and family day at the Eddie Hart Savannah, Tacarigua, yesterday.
On the issue of Petrotrin, Dr Rowley said the country is looking for new ways of earning revenue.
“That is why we are looking towards the restructuring of Petrotrin. We are looking towards improving the role of the National Gas Company (NGC) because these are two of the main state agencies throughout the main aspect of our economy that contribute on the revenue side,” he said.
“Last week, after waiting very patiently for the report from the committee that examined Petrotrin, I want to give the country the assurance that all the recommendations made with respect to the health of Petrotrin, as long as they find favour with the Government, those recommendations will be implemented in the shortest possible order.”
He urged supporters to hold their MPs accountable for representation and said the way to political success is not through ministerial appointments but support at the constituency level.
“After Labour Day I will be coming out in the constituencies to meet you on a regular basis and on that score we will then mark the cards of everyone,” he said.
Dr Rowley also gave an update on the Sandals Tobago project. He said he had discussions yesterday and one aspect was including a world class golf course in the facility.
“We have two other golf courses in Tobago and when we have completed that project, we in the Caribbean can enter the realm of international golfing tournaments at the highest level,” he said.
On the controversial Brian Lara Academy, Dr Rowley said he intended to roll out specific plans as to how that facility will be used and managed to harness cricketing talent.
“And not withstanding the nonsense going on in West Indies cricket at the top, we believe at the base we can strengthen West Indies cricket starting right here in Trinidad and Tobago,” Dr Rowley said.
He said at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva there are plans to establish a hotel so as to accommodate male and female athletes as part of a bigger plan for sport.
“We are working towards the establishment of some sort of hotel facility in that area that will provide accommodation facilities for those who will use the football stadium, swimming and the cycling facilities and we will be able to market that area as a sporting zone in Trinidad and Tobago,” Rowley said.
He said the Diego Martin sporting complex is in its final stages of completion and will produce champions.
“As we make these facilities available we will put the management structure in place and we ask the people to use it to develop our national potential,” Dr Rowley added.
The Prime Minister said sport is underutilised in this country, so there are initiatives to work with the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) to develop “proper sport management administration processes.”
“That is why we are considering using the Brian Lara Academy within the University of Trinidad and Tobago as a model for management within the confines of the university,” he said.
“And very soon we expect some of our nationals to graduate with degrees in aspects of sport management.”
GEISHA ALONZO
