Prime Minister Rowley Engages in Energy Talks with US Vice President

Prime Minister Dr the Hon. Keith Rowley joined other regional leaders at a meeting with US Vice President, Kamala Harris today (Thursday 15th September, 2022) in Washington, DC.

The CARICOM leaders had open discussions with Vice President Harris on matters related to the topics of energy security, finance and food security, all of which are closely integrated.

With respect to energy security, the potential of the hydrocarbon resources in the region was discussed with a focus on how these resources can be part of the solution to the current global difficulties.

At the IX Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles in June, the US, CARICOM and the Dominican Republic agreed to the establishment of three High-Level Action Committees, to develop near-term solutions to three challenges in the region.

Since June nearly a dozen technical and high-level meetings have been held to formulate action plans in the areas of energy security, finance and food security.

Today’s meeting also focused on reviewing progress to date in these critical action areas.

Concerning energy security, the US Government has committed to developing technical assistance packages to prepare viable energy projects that are attractive to investors, hosting an energy procurement orientation visit and a regional trade mission for Caribbean officials.

Prime Minister Rowley is the co-chair of the energy security committee. Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon Stuart Young accompanied the Prime Minister to the meeting.

The region was also represented at the meeting by CARICOM Chairman, President of the Republic of Suriname His Excellency, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Prime Minister of Barbados, the Hon Mia Mottley co-chair of the finance committee; President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali co-chair of the food security committee.

His Excellency, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic was also present.

Prime Minister Rowley and Minister Young also met today with David Turk, US Deputy Secretary of Energy at the US Department of Energy to progress discussions related to Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector.