Keith Rowley Legacy of failures in T&T as he leaves

Keith Rowley Legacy of failures in T&T as he leaves

Keith Rowley’s 30-year tenure in Parliament, particularly his time as Prime Minister, can arguably be characterized as a period of glaring mismanagement, policy missteps, and outright neglect of the most pressing issues facing Trinidad and Tobago. Far from a legacy of progress, his time in office has overseen a country spiraling into deeper economic, social, and infrastructural decline. Let’s take a closer look at the failures that have defined his administration:

The Energy Sector: A Catastrophic Decline
For a leader of a nation whose backbone is the energy sector, Rowley’s record in this area is nothing short of disastrous. The decision to pour $300 million into Train One—knowing there was no gas to power it—was reckless at best and grossly incompetent at worst. Amidst a staggering natural gas shortfall of 2.4 billion cubic feet per day, critical plants at Point Lisas are either shuttered or operating at half capacity. The energy sector has historically driven the economy, but under Rowley, it appears to have been left to rot, with no significant oil or gas discoveries during his tenure and no tangible investments to secure the sector’s future.

Then there’s the Dragon Gas deal with Venezuela, a move that has cost taxpayers $1 million USD per month for eight years with nothing to show for it. What justification does a prime minister have for such a massive waste of public funds when people are struggling to make ends meet? This is not just poor governance—it’s a blatant dereliction of duty.

Petrotrin Closure: A National Betrayal
The closure of Petrotrin, which directly affected 30,000 citizens and sent shockwaves through the economy, is a decision that will haunt Rowley’s legacy for years to come. While the government claims it was necessary to curb inefficiencies, the fallout has been catastrophic. The debt transferred to Heritage Petroleum has ballooned from $560 million to $950 million, a glaring example of financial mismanagement that has only compounded the economic strain on the nation.

It’s worth asking: was the closure of Petrotrin a calculated move to dismantle a vital institution, or was it sheer incompetence? Either way, the result has been devastating, leaving thousands unemployed, fueling economic hardship, and crippling a key pillar of the national economy.

Financial Mismanagement: The HSF Debacle
The Heritage and Stabilization Fund was intended to be a financial lifeline for Trinidad and Tobago, a safeguard against the volatility of oil and gas markets. When Rowley entered office, the HSF stood at $12.5 billion. Today, it’s down to nearly half that amount. What happened to this critical reserve? Does anyone take responsibility for its depletion? The government has seemingly used the fund asa piggy bank to cover its shortcomings, making the country susceptible to economic shocks. This is not only carelessness, it borders on on economic sabotage.

Crime and Insecurity: A Government Missing in Action
Under Rowley’s watch, Trinidad and Tobago has earned the dubious distinction of ranking 6th globally in murders per capita and 14th in overall crime per capita. These are not mere statistics; they are a reflection of lives lost, families devastated, and communities terrorized. The government’s failure to address rampant crime is a damning indictment of its priorities—or lack thereof.

Rowley’s administration has done little to inspire confidence in its ability to protect citizens. Crime has flourished while the government has floundered, offering little more than empty rhetoric and half-baked solutions. The Prime Minister's apparent indifference to this crisis is an affront to the people he was elected to serve.

Infrastructure and Basic Services: A Nation Neglected
The state’s infrastructure is a national embarrassment. Roads are crumbling, bridges remain unrepaired for years, and many communities endure water shortages that leave them waiting weeks for a single supply. These are not minor inconveniences; they are daily struggles that impact the quality of life for countless citizens.

Healthcare is another glaring failure. Essential pharmaceuticals frequently run out in pharmacies, and the public health system is on the verge of disintegrating. How does a government allow such a basic pillar of society to deteriorate to this extent? The answer lies in a lack of vision, planning, and genuine concern for the well-being of the population.

Governance and Corruption: A Culture of Impunity
The long-standing absence of audits for government-owned businesses is a clear warning sign. When the Auditor General reports that $2.5 billion is unaccounted for, it demands immediate action—and yet, there has been none. This culture of impunity, where public funds vanish without explanation, is a hallmark of Rowley’s administration. Citizens deserve transparency and accountability, but instead, they are met with silence and evasion.

Widening Inequality: A Tale of Two Trinidads
Every hardworking Trinidadian feels insulted by the contrast between the extravagant perks enjoyed by politicians and the hardships faced by common people. As Rowley prepares to leave office with a pension of nearly $90,000 per month and free medical care abroad, citizens are left to scrape by on $3,500 monthly pensions and substandard healthcare. This grotesque inequality is emblematic of an administration that has prioritized the political elite over the people it claims to represent.

A Legacy of Failure
Rowley’s tenure in Parliament has left Trinidad and Tobago in a precarious position. Basic services are failing, crime is rampant, the energy sector is in ruins, and the economy is on the verge of collapse. The prime minister's leadership—or lack thereof—has been a prime example of poor judgment and lost opportunities. As he gets ready to leave the stage, Rowley leaves behind a country dealing with the fallout from his decision-making and plain carelessness. The next administration will face the monumental task of undoing the damage he has done.
For the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, his legacy will not be one of progress or prosperity—it will be remembered as a cautionary tale of what happens when leadership fails its people.

Sarge

Please note that individuals politically aligned to the Trinidad and Tobago UNC opposition party have in their employ, a significant number of operatives, many of whom are paid, to disseminate biased opinions often disguised as facts and seemingly from authoritative sources.

These are usually opinions disseminated by other paid bloggers and letter-writers to the various daily newspapers. The primary aim is to target the political leader of the ruling party and to portray the country as a failed state that they alone can resuscitate.

​..But voices are the seeds o​f change T&T

My words resonate deeply, carrying not only the weight of frustration but also the undeniable passion of someone who truly cares about their homeland, even from a distance. It is clear that I have deep affection for Trinidad and Tobago, and my readiness to participate in these discussions despite being geographically far away says a lot about my dedication to the country's development.

The issues highlighted—systemic poverty, entrenched corruption, and inequitable leadership—are, unfortunately, not new. They are the echoes of a postcolonial legacy , where governance often becomes a reflection of historical inequities and deeply rooted societal dysfunctions. Yet, the persistence of these issues decades after independence raises critical questions about accountability, civic engagement, and the structural barriers that prevent meaningful change.

​What about the essential point about collective responsibility? It is one thing to hold leaders accountable—and rightly so—but another to examine the systems and cultural norms that allow such leaders to rise and remain in power. Why does apathy prevail? Why do workable alternatives appear to be limited? How much of this is caused by voter disenfranchisement, manipulation, or even a lack of faith in the system? These are questions that require introspection and as I pointed out, go beyond the failures of any single administration.

My monthly contributions—supporting NGOs, providing resources for children, owning businesses, and paying taxes—are tangible actions that reflect my dedication to change. But individual efforts, while commendable, can only go so far. The systemic nature of the problems demands collective action, civic engagement, and a groundswell of voices demanding better governance. This is where the challenge lies: how to mobilize a society that has, in many ways, grown disillusioned with the very structures meant to serve them.

Criticism, especially when it stems from genuine concern and firsthand experience, is not just valid—it is necessary. It is voices , unafraid to speak out, that can spark dialogue and inspire others to question the status quo. My description of the stark contrast between the wealth of the powerful and the poverty of the weakest people serves as a painful reminder of how urgent change must be. It is an appeal for leadership that puts the welfare of all citizens—not just those who profit from the current disparities—first.

​My stance as someone who remains politically neutral yet deeply invested in societal progress is a reminder that caring about a nation’s future transcends party politics. It’s about principles, values, and the hope for a better tomorrow. And while ​I have never cast a vote in Trinidad and Tobago, ​my voice—articulating the frustrations and aspirations of so many—still matters. It adds to the chorus of those who refuse to accept mediocrity and demand something better for the country they hold dear.

Change is never simple, and it rarely happens overnight. But voices are the seeds o​f change. By continuing to challenge leaders, systems, and even society itself, ​it keeps the conversation alive. And conversations, when persistent and passionate, have the power to shift mindsets, inspire action, and pave the way for a brighter future. ​
Words matter.

Sarge

..link

T&T has paid 660 million T&T $$ to Venezuela as part of Dragon Gas deal, says Young (110million US)

When T&T Government entered into an arrangement involving Shell and Venezuela to develop the Dragon Gas field, money was paid to Venezuela, acting Prime Minister Stuart Young disclosed today.
He said the payments due to Venezuela consisted of royalty, a special commission of five per cent, surface tax and social contributions totalling US$1 million, and a confidential signing bonus.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said he is revoking the license that allows the Venezuelan government to export oil to the United States.

Trump posted on his Truth Social "We are hereby reversing the concessions that Crooked Joe Biden gave to Nicolás Maduro, of Venezuela, on the oil transaction agreement, dated November 26, 2022, and also having to do with Electoral conditions within Venezuela, which have not been met by the Maduro regime."
A few hours after Trump's post, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X he will provide foreign policy guidance to terminate all Biden-era oil and gas licenses "that have shamefully bankrolled the illegitimate Maduro regime."

Comment:



This makes no sense T&T has paid over 110 million US dollars to Madero for what?

A royalty ?????
Special Commission of 5 %...???
surface tax and social contributions totaling US$1 million..????? WHAT
a confidential signing bonus....?????....say what

You cannot say what this confidential bonus amount is ?????

What did T&T receive ....NOTHING


Did anyone notice the idiot above comments?

does not refute my facts , but ????



His head is so far up Rowley's rass he cannot think????

Paid UNC troll, you and your tribe will continue to wish nothing but failure for the country until you can get your grubby hands on the treasury again.
Keep wishing.

Kamla's head is so far up Trump's ass, thinking that an opposition leader bad-mouthing her own country would get her anywhere with the USA, you think they don't have full files about her and her 5-day alcohol soaked weekends?

As far as your rhetoric above (more like hollow words from someone who admittedly doesn’t even live here):
How do you experience life in TnT? Vicariously through the eyes of those who feel the place is not worth living once their tribe is not in power? These are the only people you quote in your daily rantings. The ones that say “Trinis eating grass and suffering.“

Sure, you parrot phrases about “—systemic poverty, entrenched corruption, and inequitable leadership” .. Do you really know what its like to live here?
2 cars in literally every driveway, buildings going up in every nook and cranny. Here is no paradise, but it sure is not the hell hole you paint it

Economic and other anxieties are present as in most other jurisdictions. The effects of here being a trans-shipment point for naro-trafficing is not helped by an opposition that opposes crime-fighting measures.
However, the opportunities for serious and industrious individuals are available for all strata within the society.

Health care is free, notwithstanding it’s imperfections, unlike many of our neighbouring countries, (of course you can pay and get access more quickly, no different from many other “first world” states).
Education is free through university for those who don’t have the means to afford it, and through secondary school for everyone else. Many UWI students from other Caribbean territories are saddled with student loans after graduating, something literally non-existent in Trinidad.

Some additional improvements over the last couple years, in spite of adverse global macro-economic trends:
If you're earning less than $7500/month, you don't pay one cent of income tax.
VAT decreased to 12.5% and applies to luxury food items only
Grants to home owners whose salary is under $6000 to repair their homes
$20 thousand Grant for entrepreneurs
Free Training program for youths in the manufacturing sector
Free training programs in ICT (Information and Communications Technologies)
$300M allocated to FCB to provide low interest loans to small and medium business. Loans 100% guaranteed by government.
Housing and Village Improvement Program (HVIP) - You provide the land and the Govt will build low cost homes, through small contractors.

I could go on and on but any impartial observer would realise the problem with Trinidad isn’t just about “de Gorvaunment” .. it’s the lazy, entitled, ungrateful ones who don’t get off their asses and take hold of the opportunities that are there, and people like you who encourage a gimme gimme mentality.
Encouraging people to clamour for more and more handouts.

You can keep braying as much as you want, but the people who were fooled by your propaganda in 2010 are now very much awake to the
" Is We Time " phenomenon ... so much so that the UNC is often quoted as meaning 'Use N****rs Conveniently'
Yet another reason the country can't live up to it's full potential... If you can't govern it, you make it ungovernable!!

In reply to notinsular

It is a shame, because I looked at the same press conference mentioned, and it is amazing the as to bulk of things left out from what Young said yesterday. It is amazing.

.....
Below is where one counts the success of an administration in leadership and government, not BS on a political platform . Just look at Rowley's manifesto before he was elected; he knew how to solve the crime and murder problem; look at Forex; look at the HSF; look at the debt; look at Pt. Lisas, roads; and medical care. Poverty is the mother of crime

"The Caribbean has the highest majority of single-parent families, and these families are led by women. It means the poverty has worsened. They frequently lack the assistance of male family members who provide for their kids. They are in charge of most of the care and responsibility. They are overlooked for jobs because of child rearing; they are asked questions: If they are married? How recently? If they have kids? These questions can determine whether they even get a job."






I support an NGO in T&T with my funds living abroad. I visit T&T twice per year, as noted. I have businesses and pay taxes in T&T.
My donations per year are approximately 75 times what a pensioner receives monthly in T&T over the last decade, I hear and see the poverty at the ground level
I look at what is posted attacking me as dribble. It fails to refute my facts that I have posted.

As I noted above, I have never voted in T&T and will never support any political party owing to the idiots that lead them.
Calling me a supporter of any one party is false. T&T Treasury is bankrupt; if one pays the external debt , T&T has no money to purchase food.
As a T&T taxpayer , I am allowed an opinion.

Sarge.

In reply to sgtdjones


Dragon Project and the Manakin-Cocuina Project AND Sobers in trouble

In reply to Narper

Lal Beharry Young is just full of it.

Over ten years of BS and not a cm of gas ....and posters defending them?

But T&T paid over 110 million US to Madero.
Now T&T short Forex.

............

San Fernando Business Association president Daphne Bartlett meanwhile said she was disappointed to see the refinery in foreign hands.

“Imagine we are buying fuel from a little island called Jamaica, that has no oil but just built a very small refinery.“I thought that we should not have closed the refinery.
The former Petrotrin chairman Wilfred Espinet said that was never his recommendation.
“Can you tell us if we would be purchasing fuel from them in USD or local currency?
The Minister of Finance blamed the closure of the refinery for the shortage of forex in our country.

“Would we pay them USD for the byproduct bitumen which is used to repair our roads,” Bartlett asked.

T&T Guardian