Let’s continue diversification despite oil find

Government will be moving ahead with the diversification of the economy in light of the massive 48 million barrel oil find. So said Couva North MP Ramona Ramdial and Rudranath Indarsingh, the Couva South MP. Both MPs were speaking to reporters on Friday morning when they participated in a fun cycle ride that began at the Couva Public Car Park.

Ramdial said the discovery was a very positive stroke of productivity. However she said the impending oil boom was no reason to slow down in economic diversification since oil and gas are finite resources that would eventually run out. Ramdial said she predicts an improved economy and a better standard of living for nationals.

Indarsingh said the revenue from the oil find should go towards the implementation of the policies and programmes to ensure that the government fulfils its obligations to the people. The find was located four miles off the west coast of Trinidad in 60 feet of water. It is an area known as Cluster Six in Petrotrin’s Trinmar Gulf of Paria acreage. The find is at a depth of 4,000-4,500 feet and is close to offshore infrastructure. The oil discovered was both light crude—a more marketable type—and heavy crude.

Indarsingh said the light crude would be used to dilute the heavy crude for a better marketable formula. Petrotrin intends commencing production of the wells already drilled in the next 12 months. Speaking about the cycling event Indarsingh said his constituency has engaged in an active programme of boosting sporting activities and encouraging youth participation.

Indarsingh said lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular problems and diabetes can be prevented in some instances if people adopt a healthy lifestyle filled with exercise and eating the correct foods. Ramdial said bad food choices are sending people’s health down the drain since nationals too often opted for fast foods that are filled with fat that can lead to clogged arteries.

Ramdial said people must be mindful about the nutrition value of the meals they consume. Cyclist went as far as Chaguanas before returning to the starting point.