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78 'small' oil spills went unreported under previous govt
🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago /Energy & Infrastructure

78 'small' oil spills went unreported under previous govt

From Trinidad Express · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Trinidad and Tobago's Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal stated that 78 "small" oil spills occurred between 2019 and 2021 under the previous government, none of which were publicly reported.
  • Moonilal clarified that a recent minor oil spill on May 1st did not warrant a news release due to its classification as "tier one" and lack of significant impact.
  • He explained that public advisories are only issued for "tier two" or "tier three" spills that affect shorelines and fisherfolk, responding to concerns raised by an opposition MP.

Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Energy, Dr. Roodal Moonilal, has brought to light a significant number of unreported oil spills that occurred under the previous administration. Between 2019 and 2021, a staggering 78 "small" spills went unannounced to the public, raising questions about transparency and environmental oversight during that period. This revelation came during a parliamentary sitting where Minister Moonilal was responding to an urgent question from Opposition MP Stuart Young regarding a more recent, minor spill on May 1st.

Mr Speaker, there is no policy or protocol for the Ministry of Energy to issue a public advisory or a press release in dealing with small spills.

— Dr Roodal MoonilalExplaining the ministry's protocol regarding minor oil spills during a parliamentary sitting.

Minister Moonilal emphasized that the May 1st incident was classified as a "tier one small spill," and according to ministry policy, such minor events do not necessitate public notification or press releases. He further stated that the ministry only issues public advisories for "tier two" or "tier three" spills, which have a demonstrable impact on shorelines and the livelihoods of fisherfolk. This distinction highlights a specific protocol within the ministry, which the opposition seems to be challenging.

Between the years 2019 to 2021, Mr Speaker, there were 76 small spills of which the Ministry of Energy never issued one press release.

— Dr Roodal MoonilalHighlighting the number of unreported small oil spills under the former government.

Adding to the exchange, Mr. Young inquired about direct communication with Venezuela's Energy Minister concerning the May 1st spill, which had reportedly affected Venezuelan waters. Minister Moonilal explained that the communiqué from Venezuela was received through diplomatic channels and was subsequently transmitted to the Venezuelan Ambassador in Trinidad and Tobago. This detail underscores the diplomatic procedures involved in inter-state environmental notifications, even for minor incidents, and suggests a level of engagement with regional partners.

Mr Speaker, there is no policy or protocol for the Ministry of Energy to issue a public advisory or a press release in dealing with small spills.

— Dr Roodal MoonilalResponding to an urgent question about a recent oil spill.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Trinidad Express in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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