PM – Better days ahead, over 15,000 new jobs, choose SoE ‘any day’

2026 04/26

At the UNC National Congress in its Report to the Nation at Couva South Hall carpark, days shy of Government’s first anniversary in office, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar promised supporters and citizens that brighter days will bring thousands more jobs, police posts and new homes in the pipeline but cautioned that nothing good comes without pain.

While the Prime Minister highlighted jobs, crime, housing, healthcare and the economy, the afternoon belonged to the UNC faithful. Her strongest message was for those she accused of mistreating UNC supporters during opposition as she had not forgotten what happened after the UNC lost office in 2015.

“Between 2015 and 2025, I watched how my supporters were excluded, abused and kicked by some on the other side. I want those people who oppressed my UNC faithful to understand that I’m a different human being. I am not going to advantage anyone but I will square up the account because bad treatment of good people cannot go unanswered.

I have nothing to lose; we lost everything before, and we rebuilt it. Those who want peace will get peace; those who want war will get total political war.”

The Prime Minister tackled people who had returned to the party after absence during opposition. She saw some in the room who were around when the UNC was last in government but whom she had not seen for many years.

“I want you to know that I see you, and while I may forgive you because that is how I am, I will never ever forget your absence during our hard years in opposition. You know who truly loves you when you have nothing material to give.”

She thanked UNC supporters for standing with her and the party through insult, hardship, propaganda, betrayal and disappointment. The party survived because of its base. The country was now moving in a better direction.

“You took the first step on April 28, 2025, and brighter days are ahead.”

Persad-Bissessar said one of the biggest cries before and after the general election was for jobs. Her Government moved away from the make-work system under CEPEP and URP, programmes “deeply compromised by inefficiency and corruption.”

Between April 2025 and April 2026, the Government delivered over 15,000 jobs across ministries-

• 3185 jobs in Rural Development and Local Government,
• 2647 in Education,
• 1800 in Works and Transport,
• 1749 opportunities in Tertiary Education and Skills Training,
• 1667 in Culture and Community Development and 1,304 in Health.

New HDC projects, the state revitalisation plan, expansion of the Plipdeco estate at Point Lisas and a Special Economic Zone for data centres at Picton, near the UWI South Campus will create more jobs.

Persad-Bissessar wanted citizens to move into proper long-term jobs.
“You need to understand that you will always be at the mercy of politicians if you continue to look for make-work and welfare jobs. I am trying to get you to move to sustainable employment.”

She defended the use of states of emergency, declared to protect citizens.
“And so we declared states of emergency to protect our citizens. The results are already showing. Well, I will take an SoE any day, every day, it will keep our citizens safe, keep you safe.”

The Government repaired 82 police vehicles, leased 50 more and would soon deploy 30 mobile police posts across the land, with physical upgrades at Cedros, Teteron and Cumuto.

The Government had laid 30 Bills in Parliament in its first year, one of the most active legislative agendas in recent history. Amendments to firearms legislation would soon make firearms more accessible.

Ten parcels of land transferred to the HDC, create space for 1,543 new housing units. Government planned to build 3,700 new homes through public-private partnerships this year and into next year, creating over 3,000 jobs.    No taxpayer funds would be spent, after the Office of Procurement Regulator ended the $3.4 billion HDC contract .

On Tobago, the Government had agreed on reforms to address issues in the THA Act, explore a Tobago local police service, maintain the Studley Park quarry export licence, proceed with plans for a new desalination plant in Charlotteville and deal with land tenure issues.

 

 

Stuntman Stuart lands in Caracas

2026 04/24

A week after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced a diplomatic visit to Venezuela to “ensure we get our just share” of cross-border energy resources, ex-Prime Minister Stuart Young, acted ULTRA VIRES to ambush the plan as JACK-IN-THE BOX at Miraflores Palace in Caracas.

“It was a pleasure meeting with Her Excellency, Delcy Rodríguez, Presidenta Encargada, of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, earlier this week. #personagrata”

The Prime Minister graciously commented “Good luck with that, Stuarty.”

PNM MP for Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West, former energy minister, Young, aware his visit was anti-constitutional, claimed ” I am a lawyer, and a well-respected professional both regionally and globally.”

 

 

UNC Anniversary

26 April

At the UNC Anniversary event, Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John questioned whether Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles knew Stuart Young was visiting Delcy Rodríguez.

She said she had never seen Young and Beckles photographed together, adding, “Because Penny is like the mysterious tombstone in Tobago. I’m from Tobago, so I know she’s a leader of the Opposition without knowing it.”

Noting three PNM leaders, John asserted that the UNC is “not returning to the Opposition after ten years of hardship”. In her ministry, John said under the “patching programme”, more than 2,055 patches were completed and 953 tonnes of hot-mix asphalt were deployed.

Within one year, over 83 road infrastructure projects were completed, spanning roadway maintenance and slope stabilisation.

 

 

 

Dragon Talks Proceed, Diplomats plan Mission

April 24, 2026

“The Dragon is on the way.”

That is the assurance from Minister of Energy Dr Roodal Moonilal, who says negotiations surrounding the long-anticipated Dragon Gas Project are fast-tracked to strengthen national energy security.

The Minister said discussions and agreements with key partners are moving towards conclusion, with Government also advancing talks on cross-border gas fields with Venezuela, including Cocuina Manakin, Loran Manatee and Dragon. These fields form part of wider regional developments involving Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela’s offshore gas resources.

“I can confirm now that we are well on the way to concluding agreements and discussions in terms of the exploration and production of gas from our cross-border fields with Venezuela, primarily Cocuina (Manakin) and Loran (Manatee), fields. The Dragon is a major project which we have never given up on. While we were critical of the PNM’s handling of that project, we never gave up on that.”

The Government diplomatic team is preparing to travel to Venezuela to finalise exploration and production timelines.

“We expect, in a few days, a few weeks , that we will be in Venezuela with a diplomatic mission discussing energy, other issues as well in other sectors with other relevant officials. And we are working very, very hard because those cross-border and across-the-border gas fields also have an enormous impact on our energy security as we go forward.”

On restarting the refinery, Government is drawing confidence from successful refinery restarts in West Africa, some of which had been idle for years. Government is entering the final stages of negotiations with multiple entities, focusing on financing arrangements and commercial restructuring.

“Quite recently in Washington, we had discussions with officials of Nigeria and other places on the refinery upstart. We’re extremely optimistic.

In Africa, several refineries had restarts, some even longer than seven years have been gone. And we were excited to learn of some West African developments. We are very happy with the interest and a scenario where the taxpayer will not expend any significant capital investment…we can get that from the international private sector, from the investing community.

And we can have a reputable, world-class operator to work with our labour force here, from Trinidad, local content and restart that refinery.”

 

 

Cascadura project advances to double Gas output

2026, 04/25

Industry stakeholders, Dale Lutchman, VP Sales & Marketing, Ramps Logistics; Brian Hollingshead, executive VP Engineering and Business Development, Touchstone Exploration Inc; Yuri Jardine of United Africa Shipping; Deoraj Mahase, president, Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Ltd and Ramdath Samsubir, president, Sammy Multilift Service Ltd. joined Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal greeted the arrival of the  Touchstone  equipment.

Minister Moonilal said a significant boost in natural gas production is on the horizon following arrival of the heavy equipment at the Point Lisas port on Friday. Moonilal viewed oversized components shipped overnight from Houston by Touchstone Exploration.

The equipment—some parts exceeding 50 feet in length and 15 feet in height—is destined for the Touchstone Cascadura gas project in the Ortoire Block, Rio Claro.

The cargo was handled locally by Ramps Logistics Limited, which specialises in oil and gas shorebase management and freight forwarding. Moonilal said the equipment will support a gas compression project expected to nearly double production at the field from 10 million to 20 million standard cubic feet per day.

“This will stabilise pressure along the National Gas Company-operated 20-inch pipeline from Biche to Guayaguayare and the Point Lisas Industrial Estate,” he said, noting the project is expected to come on stream by June.

The initiative forms part of a broader push by the Ministry of Energy to strengthen output and reliability in the gas sector. He pointed to a turnaround in the industry over the past year under the administration of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Moonilal said gas production and delivery have stabilised after over a decade of underperformance, with overall output rising from an estimated 52,000 to 65,000 barrels per day. The National Gas Company recorded its highest profit in 11 years at $3.2 billion. He highlighted ongoing exploration activity, including the largest seismic data acquisition exercise ever undertaken locally by ExxonMobil, now about 60 per cent complete and targeting an August finish.

The Government continues to pursue regional energy cooperation, referencing recent engagements with Guyana and planned participation in the Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit in June, as well as progress on cross-border arrangements with Venezuela.

Energy acceleration hubs are helping to streamline approvals by bringing key agencies together, while collaboration with the Environmental Management Authority reduced the time to secure Certificates of Environmental Clearance.

Moonilal thanked those involved in the project, describing the development as part of a wider period of activity in the energy sector, with increased interest from international players such as Chevron.

Recent milestones, include the early start-up of bpTT’s Cypre Phase 2 project in November 2025, now producing approximately 45,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

Moonilal referenced the Government’s decision earlier this year to begin disbursing ex gratia payments to the survivor and families affected by the 2022 Paria diving tragedy. In January 2026, the Government began disbursing TT$1 million in ex gratia payments to Christopher Boodram, sole survivor and to families of four men who lost their lives, offering compassionate financial support to those who continue to cope with their grief.

He said the combination of investment, regulatory reform and regional engagement is positioning Trinidad and Tobago to strengthen its energy sector and expand production in the months ahead. The Touchstone development is just one chapter in a busy period for the Ministry of Energy . He noted that from deepwater prospects to regional diplomacy, the Ministry maintained a steady pace of activity across multiple fronts.

“The return of ExxonMobil to Trinidad and Tobago’s energy landscape, alongside growing interest from Chevron and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, reflects strong international confidence in the country as an investment destination.”

On the regulatory side, he said the Ministry worked with the EMA to significantly shorten the time required to issue Certificates of Environmental Clearance for exploration and development projects, a deliberate push to cut red tape and improve efficiency across the sector. The Ministry played a key role in supporting bpTT’s Cypre Phase 2 development, which achieved first gas in November 2025 — ahead of its originally planned 2026 timeline. The Cypre field is now producing approximately 45,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, directly strengthening export capacity.

 

 

 

Touchstone aims to quadruple production

Chief Executive Paul Baay said the Canadian independent seeks to achieve output of 20,000 boepd

Fabio Palmigiani
South America Correspondent
Rio de Janeiro

7 April 2026

Canada-based operator Touchstone Exploration expects to nearly quadruple its oil and natural gas output, as the company takes advantage of a substantial acreage position to consolidate itself as the largest independent onshore producer in the petrostate.

 

 

 

Touchstone brings Carapal Ridge-3 on stream

March 30, 2026

‘STRENGTHENING LNG MARKET’

Canada-based Touchstone Exploration Inc said Carapal Ridge 3 (CR-3) well was successfully tied into the Central block natural gas facility and was brought on stream on March 28. The well is currently flowing natural gas and condensate as it continues to recover drilling and completion fluids, Touchstone said in a release by its Calgary office yesterday.

“Since the Central block acquisition, gross natural gas throughput…has increased from approximately 16 MMcf/d to 19 MMcf/d through optimisation, rising further to approximately 21.5 MMcf/d following the startup of CR-3. During the current clean-up phase, CR-3 has demonstrated intermittent peak rates of up to 5.7 MMcf/d during liquid offloading.”

In its update, Touchstone said the Cascadura facility booster compressor successfully completed run testing in Houston. The unit is currently in transit to Trinidad, with arrival at port expected in April 2026 and commissioning targeted for May 2026.

• The company successfully drilled the FR-1835 well on the WD-8 block, encountering approximately 290 feet of net pay. The drilling rig has since spudded the second well in a four-well campaign.
• Average net sales volumes for January and February 2026 were 4,778 boe/d, consisting of approximately 20.5 MMcf/d of natural gas and 1,357 bbls/d of crude oil and liquids.
• First new well in this field for 17 years

President and chief executive officer Paul R Baay commented:

“Our current strategy is twofold: maximising the utilisation of existing excess capacity in our processing facilities through targeted drilling, and deploying capital toward our highest-priced sales contracts to optimise project returns.

The CR-3 well achieves both objectives, adding immediate production while allowing us to benefit from strengthening LNG market fundamentals and improved pricing.

As the first new well in the field in over 17 years, our team was successful in bringing CR-3 online and into the plant. In line with the performance of historical wells in this field, the clean-up process is expected to take several weeks, and we will provide updates as stabilised rates are established.”

“The Central Block acquisition successfully marked our entry into the LNG market. By increasing throughput without incurring additional incremental operating costs, we are leveraging our infrastructure to capture higher-value sales.

Simultaneously, our legacy crude oil blocks continue to provide low-risk production growth, funded by the strategic disposition of non-core assets last year. Finally, the upcoming Cascadura compressor installation is a vital investment that is expected to stabilise short-term production and extend the long-term economic life of the field.”

Central Block

1. Touchstone said the CR-3 well began production on March 28, 2026, and is currently flowing natural gas, 58-degree API condensate and drilling and completion fluids.
2. While initial deliverability is currently being impacted by mud losses and liquids in the wellbore, the well continues to clean up drilling and completion fluids to the facility.
3. Increased production from CR-3 is expected to accelerate the fulfilment of gas volumes committed under “deliver or pay” requirements, enabling a strategic shift toward the company’s higher-priced LNG sales contracts.

 

 

 

Tailwinds Boost TOUCHSTONE

TOUCHSTONE ANNOUNCES ANNUAL 2025 FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS

CALGARY, ALBERTA (March 31, 2026)

Touchstone Exploration Inc. (“Touchstone”, “we”, “our” or the “Company”) (TSX, LSE: TXP) reports its operating and condensed financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2025.

Selected financial information is outlined below and should be read in conjunction with Touchstone’s December 31, 2025 audited consolidated financial statements and related Management’s discussion and analysis, both of which are available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and website (www.touchstoneexploration.com).

Unless otherwise stated, all financial amounts presented herein are in United States dollars, and all production volumes disclosed herein are sales volumes based on Company working interest before royalty burdens.

Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial and Operating Highlights

1. 1. 1. Production: Averaged 4,877 boe/d (71% natural gas) in Q4 2025, an 8% decrease from 5,287 boe/d (73% natural gas) in Q4 2024.
      2. The Central field contributed 2,065 boe/d, highlighting its significant contribution to the portfolio since its acquisition.
      3. Revenue: Petroleum and natural gas sales totaled $11.0 million, a 19% decrease from $13.54 million in Q4 2024, primarily due to lower production and softened realized pricing.
      4. Crude oil sales: $5.0 million from average production of 996 bbls/d at an average realized price of $54.57 per barrel.
      5. NGL sales: $1.15 million from average production volumes of 413 bbls/d at an average realized price of $30.30 per barrel.
      6. Natural gas sales: $4.85 million from average production of 20.8 MMcf/d (3,468 boe/d) at an average realized price of $2.54 per Mcf.
      7. Operating netback: Generated $4.22 million, a 39% decrease year-over-year, impacted by lower petroleum and natural gas sales and increased natural gas operating expenses.
      8. Funds flow from operations: Totaled $0.62 million, compared to $3.61 million in Q4 2024. The decline was driven by lower operating netbacks and higher cash finance expenses, partially offset by reduced general and administration expenses.
      9. Net income: Reported $13.62 million ($0.04 per share), compared to a net loss of $0.54 million in Q4 2024. The increase was primarily non-cash, driven by a $9.55 million deferred tax recovery and a $4.98 million gain on asset dispositions.
      10. Capital investments: Invested $7.44 million, focused on drilling the CR-3 development well on the Central property.
      11. Financial position: Net debt decreased to $72.89 million from $77.75 million at September 30, 2025, supported by $8.37 million in net proceeds from a private placement.

Annual 2025 Financial and Operating Highlights

1. 1. 1. Health and safety: Achieved a safety milestone with zero lost-time injuries recorded throughout 2025.
      2. Strategic acquisition: Completed the acquisition of Shell Trinidad Central Block Limited on May 16, 2025. The asset contributed an average of 2,095 boe/d of liquids-rich natural gas since closing and provides critical exposure to global LNG pricing.
      3. Annual production: Averaged 4,686 boe/d, an 18% decrease from 5,734 boe/d in 2024. Incremental production from the Central block partially mitigated natural declines at Cascadura and mature crude oil fields.

 

 

 

TOUCHSTONE EXPLORATION OPERATIONAL UPDATE

CALGARY, ALBERTA (March 30, 2026)

Touchstone Exploration Inc. (“Touchstone”, “we”, “our” or the “Company”) (TSX, LSE: TXP) provides an update on its recent operational activities in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Highlights

1. 1. 1. Carapal Ridge 3 onstream: The Carapal Ridge 3 (“CR-3”) well was successfully tied into the Central block natural gas facility and brought onstream on March 28, 2026. The well is currently flowing natural gas and condensate as it continues to recover drilling and completion fluids.
      2. Central block throughput growth: Since the Central block acquisition, gross natural gas throughput (excluding Coho-1 volumes) has increased from approximately 16 MMcf/d to 19 MMcf/d through optimization, rising further to approximately 21.5 MMcf/d following the startup of CR-3. During the current cleanup phase, CR-3 has demonstrated intermittent peak rates of up to 5.7 MMcf/d during liquid offloading.
      3. Cascadura compressor progress: The Cascadura facility booster compressor successfully completed run testing in Houston. The unit is currently in transit to Trinidad, with arrival at port expected in April 2026 and commissioning targeted for May 2026.
      4. Oil block drilling: The Company successfully drilled the FR-1835 well on the WD-8 block, encountering approximately 290 feet of net pay. The drilling rig has since spudded the second well in a four-well campaign.
      5. Production update: Average net sales volumes for January and February 2026 were 4,778 boe/d, consisting of approximately 20.5 MMcf/d of natural gas and 1,357 bbls/d of crude oil and liquids.

Paul R. Baay, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented:

“Our current strategy is twofold: maximizing the utilization of existing excess capacity in our processing facilities through targeted drilling and deploying capital toward our highest-priced sales contracts to optimize project returns. The CR-3 well achieves both objectives, adding immediate production while allowing us to benefit from strengthening LNG market fundamentals and improved pricing.

As the first new well in the field in over 17 years, our team was successful in bringing CR-3 online and into the plant. In line with the performance of historical wells in this field, the cleanup process is expected to take several weeks, and we will provide further updates as stabilized rates are established.

The Central block acquisition has successfully marked our entry into the LNG market. By increasing throughput without incurring additional incremental operating costs, we are leveraging our infrastructure to capture higher-value sales. Simultaneously, our legacy crude oil blocks continue to provide low-risk production growth, funded by the strategic disposition of non-core assets last year.

Finally, the upcoming Cascadura compressor installation is a vital investment that is expected to stabilize short-term production and extend the long-term economic life of the field.”

Central Block

The CR-3 well commenced production on March 28, 2026, and is currently flowing natural gas, 58-degree API condensate, and drilling and completion fluids.

While initial deliverability is currently being impacted by mud losses and liquids in the wellbore, the well continues to clean up drilling and completion fluids to the facility.

Increased production from CR-3 is expected to accelerate the fulfillment of gas volumes committed under “deliver or pay” requirements, enabling a strategic shift toward the Company’s higher-priced LNG sales contracts.

 

 

Manatee Plus on track …after key logistics milestone

April 14, 2026

Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal said Shell Trinidad and Tobago Ltd completed a major heavy-haul operation to transport critical equipment for its Manatee Plus gas project, marking a key milestone in the development of one of the most anticipated offshore energy ventures.

The operation on April 12 involved moving oversized equipment, including a gas separator and a Cross Island Pipeline drum, along Guayaguayare–Mayaro road from Galeota Port to the Beachfield facility under controlled conditions.

“The transport activity followed the completion of structural repair works to the Lizard River Bridge, which were supported by Shell Trinidad and Tobago Ltd in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure between October 2025 and April 2026.

These works ensured the bridge met the required safety and load-bearing standards necessary to accommodate the heavy haul. I wish to thank the Minister of Works and Infrastructure and her team for their quick response to several requests for logistical assistance”.

Successful movement of the equipment represents a significant logistics achievement and underscores progress on the Manatee Plus project, expected to play a key role in boosting natural gas supply.

Moonilal said talks with Shell plc resulted in higher projected output from the project, in keeping with a directive from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

The project remains on schedule and forms part of the Government’s broader push to strengthen long-term energy security. The Manatee Plus development, led by Shell plc, is one of several upstream projects being watched by stakeholders as the industry seeks to reverse declining gas production. Moonilal stated,

“The transportation of major processing equipment brings a tangible element for this project as citizens see significant work being done in the energy sector. It is always reassuring to see the physical elements of a development being constructed and installed, as it signals the development is becoming a reality.

The Manatee Plus project is continuing as per schedule and the activities over the last couple of days are testimony to the investments flowing into the country. I would like to acknowledge the significant planning and logistics that would have gone into this operation and we look forward to the production of the first molecules from the Manatee Plus field.”

 

 

 

Shell expects first gas at huge Venezuela-Trinidad field next year

Reuters
April 09, 2026, Carl Surran, SA News Editor

Shell (SHEL) plans to begin natural gas production by mid-2027 from the Loran-Manatee offshore field, which crosses the border of Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago, the chairman of Trinidad’s National Gas Company told Reuters on Thursday.

Shell (SHEL) told National Gas Company it is seeking to produce first gas from the joint field next year and has increased the capacity of the pipeline that will transport the gas to Trinidad to 1B cf/day from the originally planned 700M cf/day, Gerald ‌Ramdeen said.

The company has been in advanced talks to participate in Loran, the Venezuelan side of the field, and could choose to develop it as a unified project alongside Manatee, whose planning on Trinidad’s side has progressed in recent years.

Shell (SHEL) told Reuters that it expects to begin production at Manatee next year, but it has not taken any final investment decision on Loran, which holds 7.3 Tcf of gas reserves, compared to Manatee’s estimated reserves of 2.7 Tcf.

Ramdeen also said the prospect of additional gas supplies, combined with geopolitical concerns from the Middle East war, had prompted National Gas Company to push for the restart of the first liquefaction train of the Atlantic LNG project, which was mothballed years ago.

“We have told the partners that we think there is ⁠a need to restart Train 1 because of the geopolitical uncertainty and access to additional gas,” Ramdeen said, adding that a final decision has not been made on the project, which is owns 45% each by Shell (SHEL) and BP (BP), while NGC holds the remaining 10%.

 

 

 

Perenco to advance development of mature assets

Company last year concluded acquisition of two blocks from Woodside Energy

Fabio Palmigiani
South America Correspondent
Rio de Janeiro 13 April 2026

UK independent Perenco has been cleared to advance work in a pair of shallow-water blocks as Trinidad & Tobago’s second-largest oil and natural gas producer seeks to boost development of its mature assets.

Perenco last year completed the acquisition of blocks 2(C) and 3(A) from Australia’s Woodside Energy for $206 million. The two production sharing contracts host the Greater Angostura offshore fields, seven fixed platforms, subsea facilities and an onshore terminal.

Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal signed agreements with Perenco to effect amendments to both contracts in an attempt to accelerate revitalisation of the area. The review follows the successful execution a month ago of three upstream gas supply agreements between Perenco and National Gas Company (NGC) for gas produced from blocks 2(C) and 3(A), as well as the Teak, Samaan and Poui fields.

Moonilal emphasised the government will continue to support the revitalisation of mature fields to extend their producing life cycle. Gas output experienced fluctuation this decade, but the country managed to produce over 3 billion cubic feet per day over the last five years.

The petrostate is focusing on reversing declines through offshore projects, with BP’s Ginger development earmarked to enter production in 2027.

(Copyright)

 

 

 

Ministry, Perenco formalise production sharing Hydrocarbon fields

April 12, 2026

REJUVENATING MATURE FIELDS: Dr Roodal Moonilal, and Stephane Barc, general manager of Perenco, formalised a key agreement at a signing ceremony between Perenco and the Ministry of Energy on Friday. Witnessing the occasion were Ernesto Kesar, Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Kezia Redhead, State Counsel II.

Fabio Palmigiani
South America Correspondent
Rio de Janeiro 13 April 2026

Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal signed agreements to effect amendments to the production sharing contracts for Blocks 2(c) and 3(a) with Perenco Trinidad and Tobago Ltd at the Ministry of Energy .

“This milestone follows the successful execution, one month earlier, of three upstream gas supply agreements between the National Gas Company and Perenco for gas produced from Blocks 2(c), 3(a), and the Teak, Samaan and Poui (TSP) fields. These amendments are intended to accelerate the revitalisation of Blocks 2(c) and 3(a), which contain mature hydrocarbon fields located offshore Trinidad’s north-east coast.”

At the ceremony, Moonilal stated that the Government will continue to support the rejuvenation of mature hydrocarbon fields to extend their producing life by working diligently with companies such as Perenco.

These actions will redound to the benefit of Trinidad and Tobago through the integration of additional volumes into the hydrocarbon value chain. Witnessing the signing of the amendment agreements were Minister in the Ministry of Energy Ernesto Kesar, permanent secretary (Ag), Ministry of Energy Ava Mahabir-Dass, State Counsel II, Ministry of Energy Kezia Redhead, general manager, Perenco, Stephane Barc, business adviser, Perenco, Allan Russel, commercial manager, Perenco, Sam Henry, and legal adviser at Perenco Luke Rajak.

 

Predator Oil & Gas announces Snowcap-3 drilling update

15 April 2026

Highlights

1. 1. 1. SC-3 long-lead well inventory Purchase Orders placed Up to 65-day delivery time
      2. New objective added – de-risked 3C Contingent Resources of 1.84 MM bo
      3. Offset wells initially flowed at maximum short-term rates of 696 and 1,450 bopd
      4. Realised oil price increased from US$60.213 to US$86.57/bo in one month
      5. Revised well and drilling fluid design completed for Morocco

Predator Oil & Gas Holdings, the Jersey based Oil and Gas Company with hydrocarbon operations focussed on production in Trinidad and near-term development in Morocco, has announced a SC-3 drilling update.

SC-3

Long-lead drilling materials and equipment

Purchase Orders for 133/8″ and 95/8″ well casing, 7″ production liner, casing accessories, 27/8″ completion tubing, mud chemicals and 41/2″ HSD PowerJet Nova perforating guns have been executed to support the Company’s 2026 drilling programmes, initially the SC-3 appraisal/development well in the Cory Moruga Exploration and Production Licence.

Expected delivery times are anticipated to be up to 65 days for the SC-3 well, with the items originating out of Canada to avoid potential Middle East logistical delays. Some items are being air-freighted to reduce delivery times.

Permitting

Permitting for the SC-3 drilling continues and site layout plans are in the process of being designed.

Well locations

Three follow-up locations have been identified for development wells upon successful completion of the SC-3 well and analysis of the test data and early production performance.

Oil will be transported by truck initially to a sales point before a scaling up of the production is undertaken.

Operations team

The operations team has been strengthened with an additional drilling engineer.

Updated SC-3 geological objectives

Following a review of newly accessed 3D seismic and well data, in addition to evaluating primarily the Herrera #1 Sand, producing in the adjacent Moruga West field and tested at 179 bopd in Rochard-1 on the Cory Moruga Licence, the SC-3 well will now also evaluate the Herrera #8 Sand, which flowed at up to 1,450 bopd on an initial test.

The new seismic and geological interpretation now correlates the interval tested at a combined rate of 696 bopd in Rochard-1 in 1955 with the Snowcap-1 penetration of the Herrera #8 Sand 1.1 kilometres to the northeast. This potentially increases the extent of the oil-bearing Herrera #8 Sand further to the southwest than was previously interpreted.

The 2024 Independent Technical Resources Report by Scorpion Geoscience Ltd. gave 3C recoverable resources of 1.84 MM barrels of oil for the Herrera #8 Sand, successfully tested and produced by Snowcap-1. The 3C estimate potentially better reflects the new geological interpretation between Snowcap-1 and Rochard-1.

The Snowcap discovery is interpreted to be a known accumulation and consequently resources for the Herrera #8 Sand are not risked.

SC-3 will evaluate this new potential for proven oil at its proposed location.

The initial high oil flow rates for the Herrera #8 Sand in Snowcap-1 and Rochard-1 raises expectations that the stabilised test rates extrapolated from production analysis will have potentially a high-impact significance.

Goudron, Inniss-Trinity, Icacos and Bonasse fields

Drilling and heavy workover operations are continuing in these producing fields.

Focus at present is to take advantage of the fact that average realised sales-oil price received in March has increased in February from US$60.213 to US$86.57/bo.

Onshore Morocco – Guercif

In anticipation of further developments in Morocco in respect of the Guercif Licence, the Company has:

Completed the basis for a flexible new well design that will allow for:

1. 1. 1. the rigless testing of the primary geological objective in the MOU-3 structure;
      2. later possible re-entry and re-completion of shallower objectives; and
      3. possible future deepening of a well to underlying objectives.

Completed an analysis of drilling fluid design options to select a FLOPRO (RDF) HPWBM system that:

1. 1. 1. minimises fluid and solids invasion into the reservoir;
      2. limits fines migration and pore plugging of the reservoir; and
      3. the combination of which allows for reduced mud weight whilst drilling.

Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer of Predator Oil & Gas Holdings Plc commented:

‘Drilling Snowcap-3 is our immediate priority. It is a rare opportunity in an unappraised proven oil accumulation where success can transform the market capitalisation of the Company overnight based on historical public market analysis and reaction.

Notwithstanding that potential eventuality, the surge of possible production and early sales revenues at a time of higher oil prices, combined with an efficient application of tax losses, may materially increase the Company’s cash reserves going forward.

The Company unusually has no debt or interest payments to make.

It took 55 years for the Rochard-1 oil discovery to be successfully appraised, but not at all prospective deeper levels due to mis-interpreted geology. After another 15 years now is the time to demonstrate once and for all what was missed.’

Source: Predator Oil & Gas

 

 

bpTT CHIEFS MEET VENEZUELAN AMBASSADOR

April 9, 2026

Venezuela’s ambassador in Trinidad and Tobago met top executives of bp in a strong indication of the pace of bp’s talks with Venezuela for access to natural gas in a unitised field that extends across the delimitation line between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.

 

Economists back Venezuela mission

10 April

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-­Bissessar said Wednesday a di­plomatic delegation to Ven­ez­uela would depart shortly as the Government seeks to ensure Trinidad and Tobago gets its “just share of the oil and gas that we partly own” through the National Gas Company.

Economists described the announcement of a delegation to Venezuela to discuss energy matters as “promising” and “expected”. Dr Jamelia Harris said significant work has been done.

“If these deals are realised, it would be very good for the T&T economy, which we should all want. This should be a lesson in how it is important to be diplomatic and friendly with all our neighbours and such diplomacy and friendship should not be switched on and off conveniently.

Securing an agreement was vital given the economic situation, but what is negotiated and agreed is equally important. Negotiators should strive to ensure that whatever is agreed is fair and in the best interest of the citizens of T&T. Government should be thinking of potential gains to drive growth in other sectors.”

T&T was dependent on Venezuela’s good grace and these potential gains can help diversify the economy in the medium to long term.

Economist Dr Vaalmikki Arjoon said yesterday this was a “strategic move and, in many ways, an expected one, given the need to optimise our production levels with new upstream volumes to increase LNG and petrochemical output”.

He said this comes at a critical time as T&T prepares for a significant uplift in domestic production from projects such as Manatee, Aphrodite and Ginger from 2027.

Plus, Venezuelan gas is also the most commercially logical nearby source, especially given Trinidad’s existing offshore infrastructure, processing capacity and downstream export platform.

He said this was not merely diplomacy but rather a strategy to monetise as much gas as possible. Dragon is important, but the larger objective is to position T&T to capture maximum value from Venezuelan gas more broadly, including surrounding acreages such as Patao and Río Caribe, as well as other cross-border reserves that can be commercialised through Trinidad’s established gas value chain.

He said it was equally important to view this through the lens of cross-border optimisation.

“Cross-border reservoirs are best developed in ways that maximise total recovery, minimise duplicated infrastructure, and reduce inefficient competitive drilling. That is one reason why cross-border arrangements matter so much. Shell aims for first gas from Manatee in 2027 and is in discussions around the Venezuelan Loran side as well, while pipeline capacity associated with the broader development has reportedly been expanded.”

Arjoon believes that this suggests industry participants are already thinking beyond narrow field-by-field development and toward a larger integrated gas solution.

“We are likely to therefore negotiate with a view to optimising the benefit from the entire cross-border system, not just one discrete block.”

 

‘Stronger utilisation of LNG’

Arjoon said there was also a strong case that cross-border arrangements benefit both T&T and Venezuela.

“They have the reserves; T&T has the monetisation platform, processing capability, market access, technical ecosystem and downstream infrastructure. That complementarity is precisely what makes cooperation rational.

For us, the payoff is higher gas throughput, stronger utilisation of LNG and petrochemical assets, greater export earnings and better protection of employment and fiscal revenues.

For Venezuela, the payoff is faster commercialisation of stranded or underutilised gas reserves through a nearby, proven export route. This is why the mission should be understood as a pragmatic exercise in mutual economic interest.”

This step signals that the Government understands that energy security today requires diplomatic agility, commercial realism and regional statecraft.

“The initiative can help us secure more than just Dragon gas. It can strengthen the country’s position in relation to adjacent Venezuelan opportunities, improve the economics of cross-border development, and ensure that we remain the natural monetisation hub for gas in this part of the Caribbean Basin.

That is fully consistent with the national interest, and if structured carefully, it can deliver shared gains for both T&T and Venezuela.”

 

 

Government meeting with Shell

3 April

Minister Barry Padarath told media the Government is engaged in discussions with British energy giant Shell.

“As we speak, members of the Government are meeting with Shell. An ongoing discussion that we have been having and this is not an isolated development. When the Prime Minister tra­velled to the US, President Trump opened a door for T&T.

Minister (Nicholas) Morris and myself were there with Minister (Sean) Sobers, in deliberations with the Secretary for energy and those discussions are bearing fruit. A number of companies in the energy sector have been having active discussions with those responsible for the energy sector, including the Ener­gy Minister.”

Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal should be able to provide an update in a couple of days.

On Wednesday, London-based Shell confirmed it was in advanced talks with the Venezuelan government for development of four large areas containing natural gas near Trinidad and Tobago.

“Shell, along with other energy companies, was granted an OFAC licence earlier this year which allows it to engage in oil and gas activities in Venezuela. Earlier this month, Shell also finalised a series of onshore and offshore agreements with the Venezuelan government and PDVSA.

Shell and other companies continue to look for exploration and production opportunities in full compliance with existing regulatory requirements. Shell remains a strong and collaborative legacy partner to the Government of T&T.”

The Energy Chamber said that while Shell’s move to develop natural gas fields near T&T and Venezuela may not fully close the supply gap, it can create a platform for growth.

“T&T’s natural gas sector could receive a meaningful boost from 2027 as regional cooperation gains momentum and a new wave of upstream projects led by bp and Shell moves towards first gas.

These developments are expected to provide welcome relief to the downstream sector and improve feedgas availability for LNG operations. While they may not fully close the country’s  upply gap, they create a stronger platform for growth and reinforce the importance of cross-border gas as part of a longer-term solution.”

The chamber said the expected uplift was important because it gives T&T a stronger platform from which to build. While a longer-term gap may still need to be addressed beyond that period, the upcoming wave of production creates a window of opportunity to strengthen LNG utilisation, support petrochemical output, and position itself for the next phase of supply development. That is where cross-border gas becomes increasingly important. Rather than simply filling a shortfall, Venezuelan gas can be a strategic complement to domestic production and a way to extend the life and value of T&T’s LNG and petrochemical industries.

Energy research company Rystad describes Venezuelan gas as the most credible long-term stabiliser because of its proximity to Trinidad’s eastern offshore acreage, pipeline network and existing industrial infrastructure.

“Shorter tie-back distances, lower capital intensity and faster development timelines make
cross-border volumes more practical than many deepwater or greenfield alternatives.

In that context, projects such as Dragon and Loran could help support fuller use of existing infrastructure and reinforce T&T’s role as a regional gas-processing hub. Recent developments in Venezuela suggest progress on those opportunities may be becoming more feasible.

The chamber highlighted that Chevron and Shell were closing in on major new production deals in Venezuela after reforms to its oil law granted foreign firms greater autonomy to operate, export and sell Venezuelan oil.

“For T&T, the significance is broader than Chevron’s oil position alone. Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal said in March that Chevron had reached out for discussions on cooperation in the energy sector, ‘not just exploration and production, but some matters pertaining to storage’ and that he had previously discussed using T&T as a hub for shipments of oil from Venezuela.

Overall, a combination of new domestic gas projects, cross-border supply opportunities and renewed upstream activity in Venezuela could help T&T improve LNG utilisation, support downstream industries and strengthen its position as a key energy hub .”

The chamber assured there was already a strong near-term recovery story. “Bp’s Ginger development and Juniper Wells infill programme are expected to deliver first gas in 2027, while Shell’s Manatee and Aphrodite developments are also targeted for first gas in that period.   

The same report notes that Mento has already delivered first gas, Cypre began production in 2025, and Coconut is expected to start up in 2027. Together, these projects point to a noticeable rebound in production over the next few years and should provide welcome relief to domestic feedgas constraints and the downstream sector.”

 

 

 

Point Lisas

April 15

Although the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) reported a $3.285 billion after-tax profit, conditions at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate point to a downstream sector under pressure.

A health check of the estate shows a significant number of plants currently offline. The facilities include units operated by Methanex Corporation (Titan), the Methanex/BP Atlas plant, Yara International, Nutrien (plants 1 through 4), and Proman (M2 and M3).    Two additional Proman plants, M4 and M5, are operating at reduced rates.

Former prime minister and energy minister Stuart Young questioned NGC’s decision to reduce the gas supply and rely on LNG earnings.

On October 23, 2025, Nutrien announced a controlled shutdown of its Trinidad nitrogen operations, citing port access restrictions and unreliable natural gas supply.

“This shutdown is in response to port access restrictions imposed by Trinidad and Tobago’s National Energy Corporation (NEC) and a lack of reliable and economic natural gas supply that has reduced the free cash flow contribution of the Trinidad Nitrogen operations over an extended period of time. Nutrien will continue to engage with stakeholders and assess options with respect to its operations in Trinidad.”

Ammonia and urea sales volumes from Nutrien’s Trinidad operations were approximately 85 and 55 thousand tonnes per month, respectively. Despite the closure, Nutrien remained within its 2025 annual nitrogen sales guidance range of 10.7 to 11.2 million tonnes, supported by “continued strong performance” from its North American nitrogen operations.

In 2023, Methanex Corporation signed a two-year gas agreement with the National Gas Company for its Titan plant, while idling its Atlas facility after a long-term contract expired.

CEO Rich Sumner said at the time the arrangement reflected “challenging near-term gas supply and demand conditions” in Trinidad and Tobago.

The company continued discussions with the Government and NGC on longer-term gas supply solutions but warned that uncertainty remained a key risk. In an earnings call last month, Sumner said that while the gas contract was coming to an end in September, Methanex was looking forward to getting the matter resolved.

“What we’ve got in Trinidad—we’re running the one plant, the smaller Titan plant based on a gas contract for the plant. So, we’re expecting that operation should be very consistent. And, yeah, we’ll operate that plant.

Our main focus is going to be on gas contract renewals for the Titan facility. That contract comes up at the end of—in September timeframe. We would expect to have good operations from that plant up until that timeframe. We are looking at the contract renewal already.

Most producers are already in discussions for their gas recontracting, feedstock recontracting in Trinidad. And we’re making sure we’re in discussions, as ours comes up later in the year. I would anticipate that we’re running that plant at similar rates to last year until that time.”

Even with the Dragon gas project and other cross-border developments in Venezuela, Methanex Corporation’s commercial agreements must make long-term economic sense for methanol production.

“When we look at the Dragon field that’s recently been announced, the things I would say is: one—the size of these fields relative to the demand and supply gap, more than just the Dragon field needs to be developed. So, there are other fields also being developed, but that’s going to take time. It’s going to take a lot of progress.

And then, ultimately, we’re also going to need to ensure that the commercial agreements and pricing that is for that gas allows that to make sense long-term for methanol.

So, there’s a lot to be done there. And our focus is really on the short term right now, is how we’re operating our plants in Trinidad with a contract renewal that’s ahead of us before any of this gas could come on.”

Gas supply contracts

Earlier this year, NGC proposed a 76% increase in natural gas prices, from US$3 to US$5.30 per MMBtu, triggering pushback from industry stakeholders. Subsequently, several downstream contracts were renegotiated, including agreements with Trinidad Nitrogen Company and other Point Lisas producers. NGC said the deals reinforced long-standing relationships and ensured continued gas supply to ammonia producers.

On March 16, NGC announced that it had successfully executed a Gas Sales Contract (GSC) with downstream petrochemical producer, Trinidad Nitrogen Company Limited (TRINGEN).

“TRINGEN is one of the longest-operating ammonia producers on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate. The execution of this contract reinforces the longstanding commercial relationship between the two companies, and reaffirms their shared commitment to sustaining Trinidad and Tobago’s petrochemical industry,” it stated.

TRINGEN, a limited liability company—owned 51% by National Enterprises Ltd (NEL) and 49% by Yara Caribbean (2002) Ltd—is a leading manufacturer of anhydrous ammonia, operating two independent production plants—TRINGEN I and TRINGEN II—as well as a gas turbine power generation facility.

This followed the completion and execution of a new Gas Sales Contract with Point Lisas Nitrogen Ltd (PLNL) days earlier.

“The execution of this contract reaffirms the commitment of NGC to continue to provide a reliable and economic supply of gas to its downstream petrochemical customers. PLNL owns and operates a globally competitive plant that produces anhydrous ammonia for international markets.

This arrangement will continue to support the operations of PLNL’s ammonia production facility allowing it to satisfy its contractual obligations with its customers while at the same time, adding to the revenue generation of this country,” NGC stated then.

 

 

 

TTNGL approves $1 dividend payable in USD after 4-year hiatus,

2026, 04/14

Trinidad and Tobago NGL Ltd (TTNGL) declared a special interim dividend of $1.00 per share, ending a near four-year drought for more than 11,400 shareholders and triggering a $154.8 million cash injection into the domestic economy.

Yesterday, the company said the payout, approved by its board last Thursday, will be made on May 13 and represents the first tangible return to investors since 2022.

That move follows shareholder approval of a special resolution at the tenth Annual General Meeting on March 5 to reduce its stated capital by $2.2 billion. The restructuring allowed TTNGL to satisfy solvency requirements under the Companies Act, Chap 81:01, clearing the way for a lawful dividend distribution.

Board directors framed the decision as a corrective step after years of inactivity, pointing to the absence of dividends under the previous administration despite mounting investor frustration. Thousands of shareholders, many of them retail investors who bought into the 2015 initial public offering, were left without returns even as the company accumulated cash reserves.

TTNGL said the payout will benefit not only individual investors but also key institutional shareholders, including the National Gas Company Limited, National Enterprises Limited, the National Insurance Board, the Unit Trust Corporation and Republic Bank Limited.

Directors said the decision balances the need to deliver shareholder value with the prudent use of accumulated cash and the company’s capital structure is being repositioned to support sustainable returns.

Investors will be given the option to receive dividends in either TT or US dollars, subject to regulatory approvals, with further details to be outlined. Context for the payout is a period of extreme volatility in TTNGL’s share performance.

Since its IPO, the stock has lost 89 per cent of its value, eroding investor confidence and raising questions about governance and capital allocation. Over the past five months, however, the share price surged by 300 per cent, reflecting renewed market expectations tied to a payout and structural reform.

Signals from the board indicate the dividend is intended to mark a turning point, with a stated commitment to restoring investor confidence and delivering consistent returns after a prolonged period of underperformance. For shareholders, the payment represents long-delayed relief. For the wider market, it is a test of whether TTNGL can sustain momentum and convert financial restructuring into credible, repeatable returns.

 

 

 

World Bank: Energy rebound drives growth outlook

2026, 04/10

Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal expects marginal increases in oil production, stabilised natural gas output and progress on key energy projects to underpin economic growth in 2027.

On Wednesday, the World Bank report entitled Latin America and the Caribbean Economic Update, stated that T&T’s economy is expected to grow by 0.7 per cent in 2026 before accelerating to 3.2 per cent in 2027.

“Trinidad and Tobago—another hydrocarbon producer—benefits intermittently from gas-related activity, but with a more mature production profile and without the scale of expansion seen in Guyana.”

Moonilal commented, “It is well established that the energy sector plays a critical role in the economy . As such, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar mandated us to improve hydrocarbon production levels, which would ultimately grow our economy. We have already achieved marginal increases in crude oil production and stabilised natural gas production.”

“As a result of engagements with our upstream partners, we expect significant investments in new projects to increase production levels; some of which have already begun to bear fruit, with major projects like Manatee Plus expected to come on stream in 2027.”

Moonilal said the Government’s focus extends beyond domestic developments, noting that, in addition to pursuing local projects, efforts are being made to diversify the production base by leveraging cross-border projects, to further bolster the economy.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar confirmed that a delegation would be sent to Venezuela to negotiate energy deals on T&T’s behalf.

In recent weeks, energy giant Shell said it has been in talks with the Venezuelan government regarding development of gas fields in Venezuelan waters, including the Dragon gas field.

Shell indicated plans to process gas from these fields at Trinidad’s Atlantic LNG facility.

In a Reuters report on Thursday, increased interest in the facility prompted discussions on the potential restart of Atlantic LNG Train 1, inactive since 2020 and was in 2025, to accommodate additional gas supplies from South American fields.

T&T ENERGY OUTLOOK 2027

1. 1. 1. • Economy projected to grow 3.2% in 2027 (World Bank forecast)
      2. • Growth driven by energy sector recovery and new projects
      3. • Manatee Plus project expected to come on stream
      4. • Natural gas production stabilised, with modest oil increases
      5. • Cross-border gas projects (including Venezuela) under negotiation
      6. • Potential restart of Atlantic LNG Train 1 to process new gas supply
      7. • Increased upstream investment anticipated from energy partners

Investing in tech to transform communities

20 April
The Digicel Foundation, in collaboration with Shell Trinidad and Tobago, celebrated the successful completion of five Technology and Digitalisation projects under the EPIC (Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities) programme 2025-2026.

Ryssa Brathwaite, Social Performance and Social Investment advisor at Shell T&T, emphasised: “When digital innovation is aligned with real social needs, it becomes a driver of national progress. At Shell Trinidad and Tobago, we’re proud to partner with the Digicel Foundation to ensure technology reaches people when it matters most—protecting children, empowering families, and building stronger communities for the future.”

In 2025, the Digicel Foundation and Shell T&T entered a landmark three-year partnership to jointly fund the EPIC programme, with a combined investment of $3.8 million.

 

 

 

Brickfield Bouffe, courtesyTouchstone

31 March

LAKE OF MUD :Xavier Moonan, senior geoscientist at Touchstone Exploration published an aerial view of the mud volcano at Brickfield Village, Tabaquite, in July 2019.

In July 2019, a villager told Forestry officers about hearing an explosion while walking along Tabaquite Main Road. The 7 workers who maintain vast acreages of teak forest suspected they knew what was the source of the noise.

So the gang went in search, led by Suresh Roopnarine. They cleared an old timber access road and chopped a path for about two kilometres leading to a mud volcano. This had erupted , clearing an area of at least two acres, forming a roiling lake of mud and severed trees.

The nearest resident, about three kilometres away, had no idea it had happened and had no plan to visit “a big hole in the ground”. The damage was to the forest trees, felled by the mud flow.

A wall of trees enclosed a lake of mud in the shape of a footprint. The new mud volcano is located about 8 kilometres east of Piparo mud volcano, whic­h erupted in February 1997, burying the road, homes and vehicles.

The last time there was an eruption of this magnitude was February 2018 when dormant Devil’s Woodyard mud volcano disgorged mud 100 metres wide and 1.8 metres deep.

Vice-president of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Latin America and Caribbean region, Xavier Moonan and members of the T&T Geological Society, Keston Brown and Stefon Harrypersad trekked into the forest and conducted an initial study. Moonan said ,

“The flow is fairly recent…we can’t estimate exactly when. The leaves of the trees that fell due to the mud flow are still green, but we were advised by experienced foresters that these particular trees can remain with green leaves even after they have been felled for months.

The mud itself hasn’t been weathered much and the flow structures are still very distinct, so I would estimate it happened in the last couple weeks at maximum.”

From the historical data and satellite imagery, it appears that the July eruption was the first large-scale one since at least 1940. Moonan’s information was corroborated by village elders who recall visiting the site decades ago and seeing multiple conical vents in the forest before the woods became impenetrable and the site passed into memory..

The Brickfield mud volcano is located on the Tabaquite fault. At depths below Tabaquite, lie sands with oil, gas and salt water trapped by clays. Movement on the fault allows the trap to break for an instant, allowing the water, oil and gas to escape. The fluids flow upwards to the surface collecting fragments of clay, sandstone and limestone and explodes at the surface.

Piparo mud volcano nearby is not related to the Brickfield mud volcano since they occur on separate faults. Moonan said the mud flow covers an area similar to the size of Devil’s Woodyard.

The team measured the maximum length of mud flow at 165 metres (a football field is 110 metres in length) and the maximum width at 76 metres. They said the mud flow was expelled in a north-westerly direction along a three-degree gradient slope, with the flow turning to the north at approximately 33 metres downslope.

Estimated volume of mud expelled is 1,740 cubic metres or approximately 11,000 barrels. If it was oil, it would be worth a fortune. The mud flow is less thick than that observed at the Devil’s Woodyard eruption, hence the volume is significantly less.

Despite this, the force of the eruption was just as damaging, felling trees in its path.

Visitors must hike along a forest trail, on State lands with dangerous snakes.

• • • Do not go alone.
    • Do not go at night.
    • Walk with water.
    • Wear the right footwear.
    • Take a cutlass because since its discovery, the forest can smother the surrounding lands.
    • Call the volcano Polly, after the lady who discovered it.

Three new mud volcano vents

Xavier Moonan announced mud volcanoes have been identified in the Balata area of south-east Trinidad, a development that could guide future oil exploration in the region.

The vents were found along the Balata anticline, a geological feature stretching from Rio Claro to Mafeking. Oil wells drilled along the structure were historically named Balata West, Balata Cocal and Balata East.

The Balata East oilfield, near Bristol Village, is a relatively small onshore field but produced over five million barrels of oil from 53 wells.

According to Moonan, Trinidad has 27 recognised mud volcanoes, 18 of which have been named. These geological features typically found along the crest of anticlines are formed when trapped fluids such as salt water and hydrocarbons escape through faults, carrying clay particles from deeper rock formations to the surface.

Historical records show that 100 years ago, a geologist from the former Anglo-Persian Oil Company reported two mud vents in the Balata area. The vents remained undocumented, located deep within thick forest.

Touchstone Exploration was granted an exploration and production licence for the Rio Claro Block in 2024, an area which includes and surrounds the Balata East oilfield. During an audit of the block, geologists discovered a large natural oil seep with bubbling cones in an area now named Balata Central. The site is near an old exploration well, BC-1, drilled in 1949 to a depth of 9,426 feet. Moonan said the area bears similarities to the Marac Mud Volcanoes, often described as the second Pitch Lake.

The two vents described by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company were also located close to the Balata East oilfield. Analysis by Resilog showed that the muds were dominated by material from the Karamat Formation, with influence from the Early Miocene period, suggesting the mud originated from several thousand feet below the surface.

Moonan said all three vents will be investigated further as part of ongoing efforts to guide future exploration drilling in the Balata area.

 

 

 

ECO EDITORIAL

REVIEW OF THE RECORD APRIL 2025- APRIL 2026

Observers congratulate Captain Kamla and the UNC crew for calm, consistent navigation of the good ship, TTS IERE with a steady sense of order, service and discipline, in a MAELSTROM of turbulence, a triumph of the indomitable human spirit.

NOMENCLATURE
Unidentified mud volanoes can be named in honour of the Anglo-Persian geologist and his successors in BPTT, Shell, Texaco, Amoco and other overlooked pioneers.

VENEZUELA
Historically friendly neighbours with ancestral links are overcoming obstacles with US policies opening the Venezuela petroleum industry to American champions and European titans.

Stakeholders salute strengthening ties, sharing knowledge and reinforcing security to counter threats. Investors relish momentous regional changes wrought by US leadership, promoting private enterprise with the capacity and expertise to develop energy, mother lode of prosperity.

US OFAC licences and security catapulted T&T into the path of progress. Foreign governments and companies helped Venezuela to develop energy resources with scholarships and other aid. As an Energy patron, I supervised research by a PDVSA student on a UK Chevening Scholarship.

With opportunities for energy collaboration with Guyana and Venezuela including the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery, T&T should eschew sub-saharan investment. Niger Delta oil thieves operate illegal refineries to process and export significant barrels of oil stolen daily from Shell pipelines.

Thefts risk fires and death, impeding production, causing severe environmental degradation and massive economic losses up to $300 billion, involving complex criminal networks. Vessels with thousands of tons of stolen crude, indicate active ongoing illegal operations, such as the recent arrest of 26 crew.

DIVEST. USD. COFA. ACCC. CARICOM. INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION

In the aftermath of the Shield of the Americas Summit with committment to the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition, T&T can proceed to guaranteed prosperity and peace.

Divestment of 5 state assets can create a shareholding democracy and fund outstanding wages-

1. Republic Financial Holdings Ltd.
2. Angostura Holdings Ltd .
3. West Indian Tobacco Company.
4. One Caribbean Media.
5. Trinidad Generation Unlimited (TGU).

Replacing TTD with USD will ease FOREX shortage. Countries can unilaterally adopt USD as primary currency. The USA supports dollarization initiatives in strategically important nations, to counter efforts by hostile states to reduce dependence on the US dollar.

Following alignment with US for security and the regional example of British Overseas Territories, Dutch islands, Ecuador and El Salvador, petrostates of Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana will benefit from adoption of USD as official currency.

This act will limit volatility and reduce currency risk, driven by the USD stability, global trade dominance (oil price in USD) and economic strength, promoting confidence and building trust by importing credibility of the U.S. financial system to attract investment.

Dependent on the democratic AMERISPHERE, CARICOM can replace obsolete domestic currencies with USD through official dollarization, reduce currency fluctuations, making trade and investment predictable and signaling stability to foreign investors in energy and tourism, key economic drivers.

Dollarization will unite the Bloc and boost the SIngle Market, on the ropes after 50 years.

Unofficial Dollarization is widespread as USD circulates with local currency for everyday transactions and savings, as legal tender, for buying power and as a store of value. A Black market thrives in Trinidad where the FOREX challenge moved beyond technical debate to economic urgency, with consequences for business continuity, investment confidence and long-term diversification.

COMPACT OF FREE ASSOCIATION WITH USA
Following agreements at the Shield of the Americas Summit and commitment to the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, T&T can pursue Enduring SECURITY with COFA TO SECURE POLITICAL STATUS.
Distinct from US Statehood or US Commonwealth status, the primary formal association between the USA and other SOVEREIGN TERRITORIES is a COFA, a formal agreement to establish a relationship of Free Association between the USA and a SOVEREIGN nation, as a FREELY ASSOCIATED STATE.

Trinidad & Tobago is now a DE FACTO FAS. T&T as a legal FAS preserves SOVEREIGNTY as a REPUBLIC in the UN, exercising full INTERNAL SELF-GOVERNMENT with the RIGHT to conduct its OWN FOREIGN POLICY.

USA is responsible for SECURITY AND DEFENCE with exclusive MILITARY access to lands and waters.
THIS MUST INCLUDE CHACACHACARE for a PERMANENT US NAVAL BASE and RADAR, TOP PRIORITY AS WAR RAGES and CRIMINALS RAMPAGE.

USA provides Financial Assistance through annual funding grants and economic aid for development.

Citizens of T&T may live, work and study in the USA as “non-immigrant residents” without visas and with access to U.S. services.

T&T will be the fourth FAS, after Member Nations: Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands and Republic of Palau. T&T can remain in CARICOM, OAS, COMMONWEALTH, MERCOSUR ETC.

CHACACHACARE US NAVAL BASE and RADAR for Anchor of the Archipelago.
The USA has been a reliable ally since the English Colonies of British America from 1607 began a crucial trade partnership with the British West Indies, trading timber and food for sugar. After 4 months of external peace, ouster of a tyrant, elimination of narcotics gangs and RADAR security crowned by a Democratic ACCC and SoA Summit, the next logical phase will protect T&T, anchor of the archipelago.

The best memorial to 4 centuries of Friendship is a modern US Naval Base and Radar on Chacachacare. As part of US Chaguaramas Naval Base in 1940-77, defending the Western Hemisphere with Trinidad oil, US FORCES know this uninhabited island is a natural site for a classical citadel where US Marines will be a supreme sentinel in perpetuity to defend the West Indies Subcontinent from aggressors.

As its economy grew 5% in Q1 2026 amid Hormuz headwinds, PRC stands to benefit most from the war-driven energy crisis and poses a potent threat to the Western Hemisphere.

T&T Energy Ministry must withdraw offer of exploration blocks to this adversary of the USA, citing force majeure as the Middle East conflict escalates, with PRC access to its energy supply, eroding confidence in the global trade system.