In recent comments, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar declared the Dragon Gas Deal “done.” But for many observers, that statement reflects a shortsighted approach rather than the reality of international diplomacy. The Dragon Gas Deal remains one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most strategic, logical, and economically beneficial options for securing our energy future.
Here’s the reality: the Dragon Gas Deal was put on hold due to the expanded U.S. sanctions on Venezuela introduced by the Trump administration. This created significant obstacles, but it did not mean the deal was permanently off the table. It simply meant we needed to engage in continued negotiations with the U.S. administration, policymakers like Marco Rubio, and other stakeholders to revive it.
We should not have shelved it so easily. Instead, we should have pursued every diplomatic avenue to keep the deal alive. The proximity of the Dragon gas field to Trinidad and Tobago makes it a strategic asset for our survival. It’s not just about politics; it’s about the long-term economic stability and energy security of our nation.
Moreover, let’s not forget that sanctions are not absolute prohibitions. The U.S. authorized the Dragon Gas Deal despite the sanctions on Venezuela. Just as the U.S. continues to do business with Russia despite sanctions, and just as we engage with Cuban doctors despite U.S. restrictions on Cuba, we can navigate these complexities as a sovereign nation.
As a member of the United Nations, we should not feel bound by any single country’s unilateral policies. The U.S. is not a superior authority over the UN or over our national interests. We must assert our sovereignty and continue to negotiate for what benefits our people.
Abandoning the Dragon Gas Deal now would be a disservice. It’s not a matter of legality but a matter of political will and strategic foresight. The people of Trinidad and Tobago deserve leadership that fights for long-term economic stability and energy security, not one that capitulates to temporary obstacles.
It’s time to revive the Dragon Gas Deal and secure our nation’s future.