TOUCHSTONE ANNOUNCES ORTOIRE OPERATIONAL UPDATE

CALGARY, ALBERTA (August 24, 2023)

Touchstone Exploration Inc. (“Touchstone”, “we”, “our”, “us” or the “Company”) (TSX, LSE: TXP) provides an update on Royston-1X well production testing, commissioning of the Cascadura natural gas and liquids facility, and operations at Coho. Touchstone has an 80 percent operating working interest in the Royston-1X sidetrack well and the Cascadura and Coho fields, all of which are located on the Ortoire block onshore in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Heritage Petroleum Company Limited (“Heritage”) holds the remaining 20 percent working interest.

Royston-1X

The Company has completed its program of five production test intervals at Royston-1X. Touchstone is currently evaluating the uppermost prospective intervals in the Herrera and Karamat formations. The well is shut-in while awaiting the arrival of a service rig which will be used to put the well on pump to facilitate further testing.

As previously reported, the lowermost section of the Royston-1X well in the subthrust sheet of the Herrera Formation was initially completed at depths between 11,102 and 11,168 feet. Swabbed oil volumes were analyzed by a third party confirming between 34.1 to 40.0 degrees API gravity formation crude oil, representing the deepest oil encountered on the Ortoire block to date. The maximum shut-in pressure observed at surface was 2,534 psi, however, this section of the formation was interpreted to have a low permeability reservoir.

The second production test evaluated the subthurst sheet of the Herrera Formation at depths between 10,604 and 11,020 feet.

Light, sweet oil was recovered measuring 35.4 degree API gravity.
The maximum shut-in pressure observed at surface was 2,450 psi.
Similar to the first testing interval, the formation exhibited a low permeability reservoir with minimal natural oil flow to surface. Touchstone suspended the first two intervals with a retrievable plug, allowing us the opportunity to reevaluate the subthrust sheet at a further date for potential fracture stimulation.

The third production test evaluated the intermediate sheet in the Herrera Formation at depths between 10,220 and 10,314 feet.

38.3 degree API gravity crude oil was encountered
Maximum shut-in pressure observed at surface of 2,331 psi.

The fourth production test evaluated the overthrust sheet in the upper Herrera X Formation at depths between 9,591 and 9,662 feet.

38.1 degree API gravity oil was encountered
Maximum shut-in pressure of 2,438 psi.

The final production test targeted the Karamat Formation at depths between 9,318 and 9,346 feet.

Once again, light, sweet oil was recovered
Maximum shut-in pressure observed at surface of 2,230 psi.

Royston commerciality

Although high reservoir pressures were observed during each of the production tests, minimal natural flow to surface was observed, indicating low permeability. As a result, Touchstone has now comingled the three uppermost prospective intervals and is waiting for a service rig to place the well on pump. We expect that once the well is pumping, the hydrostatic pressure on the reservoir will be reduced, allowing the formation fluid to produce at increased rates. A further update will be provided following completion of the final evaluation of the three uppermost prospective intervals.

Cascadura

The Cascadura facility has been designed for a maximum gross production capacity of approximately 200 MMcf/d and 5,000 bbls/d of associated liquids, with a current gross production capacity of 90 MMcf/d and 2,250 bbls/d of associated liquids (17,250 boe/d).

The facility is currently undergoing final commissioning with natural gas from the Cascadura-1ST1 well being used for the initial systems start-up and equipment testing. Upon completion of the commissioning of the Cascadura facility, the Company will begin to introduce natural gas and associated liquids from both the Cascadura-1ST1 and Cascadura Deep-1 wells.

The current commissioning status of the Cascadura facility is as follows:

testing of the flare system has been successfully completed;
introduction of fuel gas to the recycle compressors has occurred;
introduction of fuel gas for the generators to provide power to the site has been established;
all safety devices and equipment have been tested and are functioning; and
testing of all electronics, alarms, and systems at the facility to ensure full functionality is 99 percent complete.
Touchstone anticipates initial sales volumes during the week of August 28, 2023.

Coho

Since the Coho facility commenced commercial production in October 2022, the Coho-1 well has produced a total of approximately 2 Bcf of gross natural gas and generated over US$4 million in gross natural gas sales. The Coho facility has achieved 99.9% uptime performance with the majority of the downtime associated with third-party processing issues. The Coho-1 well is currently being restricted on a 34/64-inch choke to manage flowing pressures.

In May 2023, the Company performed a downhole production test that indicated the well could be optimized by reconfiguring the producing reservoir intervals. The Company will commence this operation once the Cascadura facility comes onstream.

Additionally, Touchstone has been approved to drill two additional wells from the existing Coho location with the intent to fill the facility to its maximum gross operating capacity of approximately 24 MMcf/d of natural gas (4,000 boe/d).

Paul Baay, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Testing of the Royston-1X well was undertaken in a methodical manner to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the prospect. The flow and buildup tests for each interval has provided us with information that could be used for future stimulation of the well to optimize recovery and production rates. The fact that we have recovered light oil and significant pressures on each test is encouraging. We now need to evaluate the mechanics of how to produce the well at economically sustainable rates. By putting the well to pump for an extended period, we will be able to determine both the economics and viability of future operations, which could include artificial stimulation of the reservoir.

Looking forward to the commencement of commercial production from the Cascadura facility, we now have in place the infrastructure to process and monetize all future potential drilling successes on the Ortoire block. This has been a long process, but we have now put in place the building blocks for a fully funded, full-cycle exploration and production strategy.”

Touchstone Exploration Inc.

Touchstone Exploration Inc. is a Calgary, Alberta based company engaged in the business of acquiring interests in petroleum and natural gas rights and the exploration, development, production and sale of petroleum and natural gas. Touchstone is currently active in onshore properties located in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The Company’s common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol “TXP”.

For further information about Touchstone, please visit our website at www.touchstoneexploration.com or contact:

Touchstone Exploration Inc.
Paul Baay, President and Chief Executive Officer
James Shipka, Chief Operating Officer
Telephone: 403.750.4487

Trinity Exploration & Production plc

7 August 2023

Trinity Exploration & P roduction plc (“Trinity” or “the Group” or “the Company”)

Jacobin-1 Oil Discovery Confirmed Virgin oil found in a super-mature basin. Material Impact on Palo Seco acreage and the new Buenos Ayres Block.

Highlights

Jacobin-1 was successfully drilled to a total depth of 10,021 feet and is one of the deepest wells drilled in recent times within the prolific Palo Seco area, onshore Trinidad.
Over 290 feet of net oil pay encountered in the Jacobin well, including 63 feet of net oil pay in the deeper exploration targets.
A comprehensive logging and pressure sampling programme has confirmed virgin pressures in these deeper zones.
Results validate the geological model and are within pre-drill range for a commercial discovery.
Flow testing is now planned to confirm the deliverability of these reservoirs, which is expected to commence during September.
Oil produced during well testing is expected to immediately be sold to Heritage within the PS4 licence area as operated by Trinity, demonstrating the speed at which the well will be able to generate revenue post completion of drilling.
The Jacobin-1 well was spudded on 15 May 2023 with an objective to appraise and explore the potential of Lower Cruse sandstones within the Palo Seco area of the prolific petroliferous Southern Basin.
Drilling samples, wireline logs and pressure testing indicate that the well encountered significant reservoir and hydrocarbon accumulations in the Lower Forest, Upper Cruse and Lower Cruse.
The exploration section of the well encountered net reservoir thicknesses varying between 45 to 190 feet. An aggregate of 63 feet of net hydrocarbon pay was identified in the deeper exploration section of the well. Reservoir pressures appear to be high (up to 7,500psi) and indicate virgin pressures.

As previously announced, 228 feet of net pay was found in the secondary target section, adding to the commercial attractiveness of the well. Data acquired from the well are being analysed further by Trinity’s reservoir and petroleum engineering teams through dynamic modelling to design an optimal completions strategy for the stacked pay encountered within the exploration section. The well has been cased to 10,021 feet and is being prepared for a series of production tests that is likely to commence with the deepest oil-bearing reservoir, and first production is expected during September.

This timeline is driven by the demobilisation of the drilling rig from the site and installation of a heavy-duty workover rig to run the completion, perforate and tie the well into production facilities. A further update on production rates, fluid properties, as well as future plans will be provided at that time.

The Jacobin results validate both the structural and stratigraphic model demonstrating the existence of a deeper turbidite play across Trinity’s entire Palo Seco acreage and the recently awarded Buenos Ayres block. The integration of the onshore 3D seismic over the Lease Operatorship blocks purchased in 2021 has been key to the understanding of the sub-surface. Data from the well will now be used to de-risk and re-rank the remaining “Hummingbird” prospects across the Palo Seco blocks and those recently mapped within the Buenos Ayres block.

Jeremy Bridglalsingh, Chief Executive Officer of Trinity, commented: “This is a very significant and material achievement by the Team. To find virgin oil in our mature acreage points to a step-change in our understanding of the hydrocarbon system, the remaining resource potential and how we can approach the exploitation of these resources.

“I would like to congratulate the Trinity Team on this success. We have demonstrated a true competitive advantage by the hard work in, building our geological understanding, working through the many aspects of planning and delivering a complex well and critically, safe execution of drilling operations.

“I would also like to thank our partner Heritage, for their valued help and assistance in facilitating the drilling of this well. The next step is to undertake a full production testing programme, that is expected to commence during September. We look forward to updating shareholders on our progress.”

Enquiries: Trinity Exploration & Production plc Jeremy Bridglalsingh, Chief Executive Officer Julian Kennedy, Chief Financial Officer Nick Clayton, Non- Executive Chairman

Via Vigo Consulting SPARK Advisory Partners Limited (Nominated Adviser and Financial Adviser) Mark Brady, James Keeshan +44 (0)20 3368 3550 Cenkos Securities PLC (Broker) Leif Powis Neil McDonald +44 (0)20 7397 8900 +

Woodside restarts production at key international asset

Phased ramp-up of output offshore Trinidad & Tobago under way

Amanda Battersby in Singapore, 8, August 2023 ,

Australia’s Woodside Energy has commenced the phased restart of production at its Greater Angostura asset offshore Trinidad & Tobago that was shut-in in the last week of July after a process safety incident on one of its shallow-water platforms.

“Woodside on 4 August 2023 commenced a phased restart of production at its Angostura facility offshore Trinidad & Tobago. The facility had been shut in the previous week as a precautionary measure following a process safety incident. The phased restart commenced following completion of relevant safety checks, which will continue as production ramps up. As always, the safety of our personnel and our operations is Woodside’s priority.”

Local reports claimed that several plants on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate had to temporarily close due to the gas shortage resulting from Woodside’s recent shutdown. The Australian company is the third largest gas producer in Trinidad & Tobago, accounting for 13% of total output, with production last year averaging 351 million cubic feet per day.

Woodside operates two shallow-water conventional oil and gas fields — Angostura and Ruby — in Trinidad and Tobago. The fields’ facilities comprise a central processing platform, gas export platform, four wellhead protector platforms, a wellhead platform and an onshore terminal. Oil from the CPP is transported to the terminal facility on the southeastern end of Trinidad.

The company is also eyeing development of its deep-water Calypso giant gas discovery offshore TT. Calypso, which has touted contingent resources of some 3.2 trillion cubic feet of gas, could be on stream in 2028 with production upwards of 400 MMcfd. At least some of this output could be used as feed gas at the Atlantic LNG project.

Woodside Energy resumes full gas production

August 16

Woodside Energy has resumed full production at its Angostura facility following an incident which led to a gas shortage three weeks ago. Woodside shut down its offshore production operations at its Angostura facility as a precaution, after a process safety incident at the end of July. The incident disrupted the supply of natural gas to some plants at Point Lisas Industrial Estate

While Woodside made checks, the National Gas Company (NGC) worked with upstream suppliers and downstream consumers to manage the impact of the disruption. NGC engaged the TT Electricity Commission (T&TEC) and independent power producers to minimise the impact on the power-generation sector.

On August 4 Woodside began a phased restart of production at the facility after safety checks . Woodside said that the checks will continue as production is ramped up.

Woodside suspends production at offshore fields

Oil and gas fields shut in after process safety incident

Amanda Battersby in Singapore, 31 July 2023,

Australia’s Woodside Energy has shut in oil and gas production offshore Trinidad & Tobago after an incident on one of its platforms.

“On 25 July, Woodside Energy shut in offshore production operations in Trinidad & Tobago as a precaution following a process safety incident. All personnel are safe and accounted for. We are working to safely resume operations.”

Woodside’s confirmation came after thes Energy Ministry revealed on 28 July that one of its major upstream gas suppliers had to shut in its gas production to deal with an “unplanned technical issue.”

“This unfortunate and untimely issue has led to a significant reduction in current gas supply which in turn has affected the end users of gas. This unforeseen event is being given the priority urgent attention that is necessary by the upstream entity. It is hoped that the situation will be resolved in the shortest possible time frame,” the Ministry said.

The Australian operator is the third largest gas producer in Trinidad & Tobago, accounting for 13% of total output, with production last year averaging 351 million cubic feet per day. Woodside operates two shallow-water conventional oil and gas fields — Angostura and Ruby.

Angostura, which lies 38 kilometres northeast of Trinidad, achieved first oil in 2005 with gas sales beginning six years later while Ruby came onstream in 2021. The fields’ facilities comprise a central processing platform, gas export platform, four wellhead protector platforms, a wellhead platform and an onshore terminal. Oil from the CPP is transported to the terminal facility on the southeastern end of Trinidad. Woodside operates both blocks on behalf of partners National Oil Company and Chaoyang.

Energy Minister Stuart Young reportedly met with Woodside’s acting president, Kellyanne Lochan, and the company’s executive vice president of international operations, Shiva McMahon, to discuss the issue.

Several plants on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate had to temporarily close due to the gas shortage.

The National Gas Company said that while some plants were undergoing routine maintenance, others had to suspend operations due to Woodside’s shut-in and reduced available gas volumes.

“NGC will continue to engage with both its suppliers and customers to minimise the impact of this development. It is hoped that the matter will be resolved in the shortest possible time frame.”

Article updated with confirmation of gas production shutdown from the Ministry of Energy.

Minister meets Woodside

2023, 08/23

Woodside Energy T&T president and country manager Kellyanne Lochan,met Minister of Energy Stuart Young at Ministry of Energy, Port-of-Spain.

The Calypso deepwater project was discussed during the meeting between Energy Minister Stuart Young and Woodside Energy executives. .The Minister, permanent secretary, Ms Sandra Fraser (Ag), engaged in substantive discussions on the technical and commercial aspects of the Calypso natural gas project with Woodside Energy’s Kellyanne Lochan, country manager (Ag); Woodside Energy, Trinidad and Tobago Stacy Patrick, project director, Calypso; Onne Peters, vice president of Atlantic Sales; Ross Wildy, vice president Commercial Exploration and Development and Sheldon Narine, senior advisor, Corporate Affairs.

The Calypso Deepwater project is located 250km off the East Coast of Trinidad in 2,200m water depth.

Young stressed the significance of the project and its importance to deepwater resource development, the future beneficial growth of Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector and the overall energy security of the region. Woodside executives provided insightful updates on the project and the parties discussed an aggressive timeline aimed at bringing first gas to market as soon as possible.

Lochan expressed gratitude for the Minister’s contributions and the Ministry’s willingness to engage with Woodside to further the project. The meeting was part of the Minister’s continuing commitment towards fostering active and productive collaboration with energy sector stakeholders.

Phoenix Park Gas Processors Ltd signs agreement with Ghana consortium

SHWETA SHARMA , THURSDAY 3 AUGUST 2023

Dr Hilton John Mitchell representative of the Gas Gathering Ltd (front left); Dominic Rampersad, president PPGPL; Dr Joseph Khan chairman PPGPL. Alex Asiamah (back left) and Alvin Dookie VP business and market development PPGPL. (Photo courtesy PPGPL) development PPGPL.

PPGPL signed a Technical Services Agreement with The Gas Gathering Limited (TGGL) of Ghana, a private consortium. PPGPL will provide technical and commercial advisory services, drawing on its expertise in the fields of process and mechanical engineering, project management, process operations, and commercial. This marks yet another milestone as PPGPL continues to grow its business, sharing skills and expertise with Ghana.

PPGPL was formed in 1989 by the National Gas Company (NGC), international energy company ConocoPhillips, and Pan West Engineers and Constructors, LLC.

This agreement is a continuation of the NGC group’s association with Ghana, to commercialise technical services in the group’s thrust to globalise its operations in service of its mission and vision.

In 2022, TGGL was awarded a contract by the Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) to build, co-own, co-operate and transfer contract with GNGC to construct Train 2 of its gas processing facility. It is for this project that PPGPL was engaged by TGGL to assist in an advisory capacity to bring it to final investment decision (FID).

PPGPL said this latest development is aligned to its growth strategy to expand internationally, which the company has been pursuing steadfastly through its three acquisitions since 2020. It is also in keeping with the NGC Group’s mandate to export its energy services globally.

NGC’s first international project to deliver a pressure regulator skid package for the existing Takoradi Distribution Station in Ghana is nearing completion. The prefabricated skid, assembled in Trinidad and shipped to Ghana in April 2022, was installed at the TDS process plant site.

At the signing ceremony, PPGPL president Dominic Rampersad said, “With each growth initiative, we continue to move closer to our vision of being a globally recognised business.”

The agreement commemorates a long journey in which PPGPL has built a strong business relationship with Ghana. Prior to this agreement, in 2019, PPGPL provided consultancy services to GNGC on risk-based inspection (RBI) for the Atuabo Gas Processing Facility. The company developed and issued a risk-based inspection (RBI) program for GNGC and trained staff.

Appeal Court upholds CL ruling : energy sale fraudulent

31 JULY 2023

The Court of Appeal upheld a judge’s ruling invalidating the sale of energy assets of insurance giant Clico to Proman Holdings (Barbados), and made a finding of fraud in relation to the transaction. The sale of the Clico energy crown jewels took place three days after Government bailed out the CL Financial conglomerate in early 2009.

The ruling by Justices of Appeal Alice Yorke-Soo Hon, Gregory Smith and Vasheist Kokaram upheld Justice Devindra Rampersad’s 2021 ruling and the Appeal Court judge made a finding of fraud which Rampersad had declined to make. The judges rejected the appeal of Proman Holdings (Barbados) Ltd and Process Energy (Trinidad) Ltd (PETL), formerly Clico Energy, upholding Rampersad’s findings except on the issue of fraud.

Proman commented , “We are disappointed by the Court of Appeal’s judgment, which runs contrary to the trial judge’s determination in relation to Proman’s role in the transaction. We have a strong case on appeal, which we will pursue before the Privy Council and are confident in our prospects of success.”

Proman has been committed to Trinidad and Tobago for over 35 five years, “and we are proud of our track record as the largest investor and employer in the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.”

At the appeal, heard in January, attorneys for CLF and Clico insisted the sale transaction between Proman and CLF jefe Lawrence Duprey for the sale of Clico Energy’s shares could not be ratified. They also asked the court to make a finding of fraud on Proman’s part since it would have had a bearing on recovering efforts, if the CLF and Clico lawyers were successful at the appeal, especially since Proman had asserted it could not pay dividends owed to CLF and Clico.

The worth of the judgment for CLF exceeds $2 billion, which represents the sale transaction and dividends on shares. At the time of Rampersad’s judgment in 2021, CLF and Clico claimed they would have received US$169 million in dividends had their stakes in PETL not been sold.

Proman has signalled its intention to appeal to the Privy Council. The company’s attorneys asked for a stay, pending that appeal. One was partially granted since, according to Smith, both sides have indicated they cannot pay the judgment sum at the end of litigation – CLF because it is insolvent and Proman has said it could not pay.

As part of the conditions of the stay, CLF is entitled to appoint four directors to PETL while Proman will be allowed to appoint two, with immediate effect, while the sums representing the dividends already received and future sums, are to be paid into the court pending the outcome of any further appeal.

At the time of the deal, CLF controlled 34 per cent, Clico another 17 per cent, with the remaining shares in PETL, being held by Proman.

In 2014, the International Court of Arbitration ordered Clico to sell its remaining shares in MHTL to Proman subsidiary, Consolidated Energy Limited (CEL), for US$1.175 billion (TT$7.485 billion).

In October 2021, Justice Devindra Rampersad ruled that Duprey acted oppressively and unfairly prejudicial to both companies’ interests when he cut the deal to sell CLF and Clico’s 51 per cent stake for a little over US$46.5 million.

The judge also ruled that the company was grossly undervalued, and voided the sale, ordering Proman Holdings to pay CLF the dividends it collected from the shares since 2009, plus interest. In return, CLF was ordered to reimburse Proman Holdings for the purchase price, plus interest.

The unanimous ruling was written by Smith who admitted, in an executive summary, it was “high-stakes, full-blown, adversarial litigation” involving titans of trade and industry. In an 85-page decision, Smith said since the act by Duprey in concluding the purchase and sale agreement was dishonest and lacked good faith, it could only be ratified by CLF/Clico’s shareholders and not by its directors or agents. Because of the bailout which saw CLF and Clico being put, at the time, under Central Bank control, Smith said the agreement could only be ratified with input from Government – the major creditor at the time – and not directors or even CLF and/or Clico shareholders.

As he went through the evidence in the same manner which Rampersad had, noting also that the trial involved over 12,000 documents, Smith said it “was difficult to resist the conclusion that Proman knowingly did not pay a fair price for the shares and knew they were obtaining it at a gross undervalue.”

On the finding of fraud, Smith said, “The sale at a gross undervaluation with the full complicity of Proman was a gamble indicative in my view of the recklessness or turning a blind eye to the obvious.

“These findings show the relevant, intentional or reckless, blind eye intention of both Duprey and Proman in respect of the negotiation and conclusion of the purchase sale agreement (PSA).”

“…The trial judge has found quite clearly that Duprey’s actions in concluding the PSA were dishonest, utterly reprehensible and reeking of impropriety and that Proman was complicit in this impropriety.

“Further, Proman knew of the MoU and that the PSA was an attempt to bypass the same and ‘steal a march on the GORTT’s steps to possibly get the shares in PETL’.”

Submitted into evidence at the trial were statements by former CLF/Clico executives given at the commission of inquiry into the collapse of Clico.

The Prime Minister spoke of the enquiry and the possibility of going to Parliament to stop further spending relating to it.

Proman and PETL were represented by Simon Salzedo, KC, Christopher Hamel-Smith, SC, and Jonathan Walker. CLF and Clico were represented by Fyard Hosein, SC, Deborah Peake, SC, Sasha Bridgemohansingh and Lauren Boyak.

MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND ENERGY INDUSTRIES ENGAGES WITH INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK REPRESENTATIVES ON THE GREEN HYDROGEN PROJECT

26 July 2023

A team from the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) led by the Honorable Stuart R Young MP, met with a delegation from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) led by Ms. Carina Cockburn as well as representatives of the National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (National Energy) and its President Dr. Vernon Paltoo. Discussions were centered around advancing the initiatives identified in the study The Roadmap for a Green Hydrogen Economy in Trinidad and Tobago which was launched in November 2022.

In March 2023, Cabinet approved a request for support from the IDB to advance initiatives in Horizon 1 of the Green Hydrogen Roadmap in a specific project focusing on:

(i) introducing green hydrogen demonstration projects in T&T,
(ii) initiating the Wind Resource Assessment Program (WRAP), and
(iii) developing the business models and financial structures for attracting private sector investors to the new green hydrogen industry. Since then, the MEEI has been collaborating with the IDB and National Energy.

Minister Young welcomed the discussions and noted the Government’s interest in supporting the development of a green hydrogen market through the participation of state energy companies such as National Energy Corporation, while developing a framework attractive for private sector participation.

Country head of IDB, Ms. Cockburn advised the IDB has already made considerable progress in the design of the green hydrogen project, which will have transformational impact on the country in the medium and long term. According to Ms. Cockburn, in the international energy market, countries are looking for low carbon energy products as part of their energy transition initiatives, and T&T is well poised to strengthen its regional and global leadership in the energy sector. The parties agreed that the IDB would hold further consultations with local stakeholders and continue to work with the Ministry of Energy in the deployment of low or zero carbon products based on renewable energy and green hydrogen.

The advancement of green hydrogen initiatives carries the potential for far-reaching impacts in the medium and long term. By embracing renewable and sustainable energy practices, the petrostate can reduce carbon emissions, diversify its energy sources, and bolster its energy security. The adoption of green hydrogen has the potential to revolutionize sectors, including transportation, industrial processes and power generation, paving the way for a cleaner and more resilient energy landscape.

As Trinidad and Tobago embarks on its green hydrogen journey, the convergence of government efforts, multilateral support and private sector engagement will be pivotal in realizing the vision of a sustainable energy revolution. By embracing green hydrogen, Trinidad and Tobago can take a pioneering role in the global energy transition and carve a path towards a greener, cleaner and more resilient future for its citizens and the world.

Ex-Petrotrin staff get 180 lots of land

8 AUGUST 2023

In a random draw, 180 ex-workers at the former Petrotrin were awarded plots of land. Land Settlement Agency (LSA) chairman Wayne Innis said this was the third draw for land distribution to former workers and honoured a commitment by the Prime Minister. Recipients would be able to access the Government’s self-help housing development programme via the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

Energy Minister Stuart Young repeated the reasons for the closure of the Petrotrin refinery at Pointe-a-Pierre. Operating the refinery required a certain throughput volume of oil but crude oil production had fallen. As a result the refinery had to import oil to refine, at a hefty cumulative cost.

When the refinery closed, the Government had given workers $2.7 billion in cash payments, with individuals receiving compensation over and above the amounts the Government was legally obligated to provide. Applicants had the opportunity to receive either a residential lot of 5,000 square feet or an agricultural lot of two acres.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development Camille Robinson-Regis said, “We are going to deliver 180 fully developed residential lots to you, the former employees of the now-restructured Petrotrin.”

When the Government decided to stop refining oil and to restructure Petrotrin, it was not unmindful of the dislocation likely to result.

Therefore it was equally committed to ensuring that the employees be provided with as soft a landing as possible.

One feature was providing residential or agricultural lots to Petrotrin ex-workers. The award of land was important to show gratitude for workers’ contribution to Petrotrin.

In Nobel Prize-winning author VS Naipaul’s novel A House for Mr Biswas, the main character eventually got a home of his own and had never truly felt at home in any places controlled by others.

Former sugar workers were rightfully benefiting from lands from the former Caroni (1975) Ltd as former Petrotrin workers were from the lands held by Petrotrin. Two major industries had to be restructured due to changing economic circumstances, to the benefit of the country.

LSA had said that lots were now at varying stages of development in areas known as La Romaine, La Romaine No 2, Felicity No 2, Chaguanas, La Philippine No2, Gran Couva, Ponderosa, Golconda and Glenroy No2.

As these lots become available, these will be distributed. At this time, lots are available at Petit Morne in Ste Madeleine, Harmony Hall in Gasparillo, Springle Street in Point Fortin (and) Wellington Road in Debe.

She thanked the staff of the LSA, Ministry of Energy, and Ministry of Agriculture for their efforts in this initiative.

New homes stand as a reminder of the investment the Government has made, a significant addition to building an inter-generational wealth.

Attending were Agriculture Minister Kazim Hosein and Minister in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Adrian Leonce.

NiQuan’s fuel dispute case dismissed

2023. 08/22

NiQuan Energy lost its bid for an injunction against the Government to compel the state to resume its natural gas supply.

Delivering a decision, High Court Judge Kevin Ramcharan dismissed the company’s application for an injunction against the Trinidad and Tobago Upstream Downstream Energy Operations Company Limited (TTUDEOCL) and the Office of the Attorney General. As part of his decision, Justice Ramcharan ordered the company to pay the legal costs incurred by the State company and the AG’s Office in defending the application.

Justice Ramcharan, who noted that the matter was being heard in chamber.denied a request from media for access to the hearing.

TTUDEOCL is a special purpose company in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries and was set up specifically to negotiate NiQuan’s gas agreement.

NiQuan’s contract with the TTUDEOCL is for the sum of 31 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d), or less than one per cent (approximately 0.8 per cent) of T&T’s daily gas supply. TTUDEOCL sources natural gas from the National Gas Company (NGC).

In the application, NiQuan alleged that TTUDEOCL had stopped supplying it with the natural gas it needs to run its operations, which was a breach of contract.

TTUCEOCL said it stopped supplying NiQuan with gas after the company accrued a debt of US$19 million, which remains unpaid. As a result, TTUDEOCL remains indebted to the NGC for non-payment. NiQuan claimed that it stood to lose hundreds of millions in investments if it is not supplied with natural gas.

The company filed the injunctive proceedings asking that the court order TTUDEOCL to supply gas to NiQuan on a guaranteed basis and not subject to availability based on the terms and conditions of the gas supply contract.

NiQuan’s move against one state company comes after another state agency—the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA)—started investigating it for a July 15 accident at the plant, which led to the death of 35-year-old Massy Energy Engineered Solutions Limited (MEES) employee Allanlane Ramkissoon. MEES was conducting maintenance on the plant at the time.

Ramkissoon’s death negatively impacted NiQuan’s cash flow. NiQuan was over US$250 million (TT$1.7 billion) in debt and was struggling to meet payments owed to contractors, which include Junior Sammy and MEES.

NiQuan was set to refinance its bonds in the sum of US$300 million (TT$2 billion) by July 31 but the accident at the plant set it back. The company’s founder and chief visionary officer, Ainsley Gill, saw legal action as his only recourse to rescue the project. Gill, a former US-based lobbyist in Washington DC under the Manning administration, bought and invested in the abandoned plant with the goal to turn it into the Western Hemisphere’s first gas-to-liquids plant.

NiQuan raised money on the international bond market, loans, and sums from local investors, which include Republic Bank Limited, RBC Trust (Trinidad and Tobago) Limited, Beacon Insurance Company, Firstline Securities, Prime Capital Limited, JMMB Securities Limited, Waterloo Capital Advisors, KCL Capital Market Brokers Limited, Inshallah Investments, Farm Chem Engineering Management Limited, GM Homes Limited, M&J Services Limited, Central Finance Facility Cooperative Society of Trinidad and Tobago Limited, Petrotrin and the Washington DC registered NiQuan Energy LLC.

NiQuan was represented by Stephen Singh, Vivek Lakhan-Joseph and Raphael Morton-Gittens. TTUDEOCL was represented by Deborah Peake, SC, Ravi Heffes-Doon and Alana Bissessar, while Russell Martineau, SC, Raquel Le Blanc, Murvani Ojah Maharaj, and Lianne Thomas represented the AG’s Office.

Fire at Proman melamine plant

A fire broke out at the Melamine 1 Plant on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate in Point Lisas, causing work to be temporarily halted until an investigation is completed. There were no injuries and onsite emergency response personnel controlled and extinguished the fire.

Fazad Mohammed, head of corporate communications, Proman Trinidad, said: “The health and safety of all our employees and contractors remains our utmost priority. As such, a decision has been taken to temporarily stop all work activities on the Melamine 1 Plant until a full investigation has been completed and the cause of the incident determined.”

Cost of the damage was not yet determined and the investigation was ongoing. Proman has two melamine production facilities at the Pt Lisas Industrial Estate. Proman’s website says all its products are derived from the conversion of natural gas feedstock, including methanol, fertiliser (ammonia and urea-ammonium nitrate and melamine (crystalline powder produced from urea).

Energy sector employment down

31 JULY 2023

Pointe-a-Pierre MP David Lee claimed the energy sector’s workforce has been cut in half under PNM rule, citing data from the Central Statistical Office (CSO) and the Central Bank.

“In 2015, under the Honourable Kamla Persad Bissessar, over 20,500 people were employed in the energy sector. In 2022, 9,800 people are employed – a decline of over 52 per cent. And it is dropping. It paints a picture of what this government is doing to that sector. It is decimating the energy sector.”

He also knocked NiQuan – in which the government holds preferential shares – saying the gas company owes the nation an explanation for its billion-dollar debt.

“This government has treated the energy sector as if it belongs to the PNM and not the people. It took our billion-dollar asset, the old WGTL and sold it at a peppercorn rate. They (NiQuan) got a sweet-heart deal, but they have run up billions of dollars in debts.”

He also took issue with the fact that despite two disasters at the NiQuan refinery, one of which claimed a life, the company is yet to give any report or explanation to the public.

“We are still asking for an investigation into what took place and we are yet to get an answer. NiQuan is privately owned but it sits on government property. They have a right and a duty to report to the minister (of energy).”

He also noted delays in the laying the commissioner’s report on the Commission of Enquiry into the Paria tragedy, where four divers drowned.

“We heard originally it was supposed to have been released in Easter, now it has been delayed further. What is the reason for this delay? Is it because of elections? Is it because it will reflect the callousness of this government? On behalf of the families of those divers, we demand that report.”

Paria CoE to give update on final report

29 August

The Commission of Enquiry (CoE) into last February’s tragic diving incident at Paria Fuel Trading Co Ltd in Pointe-a-Pierre, is expected to give an update this week regarding the submission of its final report.

On February 25, 2022, divers Rishi Nagassar, Kazim Ali Jr, Fyzal Kurban, Yusuf Henry and Christopher Boodram were doing maintenance work on a 30-inch underwater pipeline belonging to Paria when they were suddenly sucked into the pipeline. Only Boodram survived.

The CoE was originally due to submit its final report to the President in May but on May 5, the commission said it wrote to President Christine Kangaloo to seek a further extension until August 31.

The delay was necessary as those who were issued with Salmon letters have been given until June 9 to respond in writing, and until June 21 and 22 to respond orally. Salmon letters are sent to individuals or companies that will be subject to criticism in a report. There is the possibility that the deadline for the submission of the commission’s final report could be extended.

On July 14, the commission said its chairman Jerome Lynch, KC, and his fellow commissioner Gregory Wilson are working to finalise the report.

“However, there has recently been a number of decisions dealing with the importance of the proper procedure to be adopted in CoEs.”

The commission cited two cases.

The first was from the United Kingdom. The second was local.

“These cases deal with a range of issues to ensure fairness to everyone and that the parties have a fair opportunity to make their case in particular where there are to be criticisms of individuals that may affect their careers and lead to recommendations as to criminal conduct or a potential for the breach of a duty of care.”

The commission has “sought to ensure that every outcome and everything it has done has been to ensure that no one is shut out. “

The CoE received approximately 400 pages of detailed response to its provisional findings and a number of legal arguments that it needs to address.

“This process generates delay but it is a price worth paying to ensure a robust report insulated from unfairness. We continue to work to have this report completed within the timetable provided and we are confident we will, albeit marginally later, than hoped.”

In May, Lynch said his duty was to provide the report to Kangaloo.

“Whether that is then imminently disseminated to the government and to the independent ministers responsible, whether it goes to the legal agencies, the AG’s department, the DPP’s department, will be dependent not on what I think but on what your government thinks.”

On March 8, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of the CoE.

This was being done after complaints were raised by the Opposition UNC about the formation of a five-member committee of experts to investigate the incident. Rowley had come to the conclusion that the situation had been politicised to such a high degree that the public would not now accept the recommendations of that committee.

Former attorney general Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, SC, was appointed the commission’s lead legal counsel. In June, responding to a question from the Opposition in Parliament, Energy Minister Stuart Young said Government could not dictate to the commission or seek to influence its outcome.

Paria enquiry seeks new deadline – November 30

29 august

The Commission of Enquiry (CoE) into last February’s fatal diving accident at Paria Fuel Trading Co Ltd in Pointe-a-Pierre is requesting a new deadline of November 30 to submit its final report. The commission’s secretariat said the commission was unable to meet its previous deadline of August 31. The commission has written to President Christine Kangaloo to ask for an extension until November 30.

The commission will hold a virtual news conference in the first week in September. CoE chairman Jerome Lynch, KC, will address any questions arising from this development.

On February 25, 2022, divers Rishi Nagassar, Kazim Ali Jr, Fyzal Kurban, Yusuf Henry and Christopher Boodram were doing maintenance work on a 30-inch underwater pipeline belonging to Paria when they were suddenly sucked into the pipeline. Only Boodram survived. The CoE was originally due to submit its final report to the President in May. On May 5, the commission said it had written to Kangaloo to seek an extension until August 31. The delay was necessary, as those who were issued with Salmon letters have been given until June 9 to respond in writing, and until June 21 and 22 to respond orally.

Salmon letters are sent to individuals or companies that will be subject to criticism in a report.On July 14, the commission said its chairman Jerome Lynch, KC, and his fellow commissioner Gregory Wilson are working very hard to finalise the report.

However, there has recently been a number of decisions dealing with the importance of the proper procedure to be adopted in CoEs. The commission cited two cases.

The first was from the United Kingdom, R (Hexpress Healthcare Ltd) –v- Care Quality Commission.

The second was local, Civil Appeal P 286 of 2020 between Hart –v- The CoE-La Alturas Housing and others.

The commission has “sought to ensure that very outcome and everything it has done has been to ensure that no one is shut out. “

The CoE has received approximately 400 pages of detailed response to its provisional findings and a number of legal arguments that it needs to address.

NESC signs statements of intent with 3 Guyanese schools

2023, 08/28

NESC Technical Institute (formerly National Energy Skills Center) signed Statements of Intent with three Guyanese technical institutes on August 23 at the culmination of a three-day visit to Trinidad by principals and faculty from Guyana.

The three institutions have each agreed to enter discussions with NESC-TI regarding collaboration on the development and conduct of a needs assessment of unskilled and semi-skilled workers, the establishment of a system of competency assessment and skills development as well as other related initiatives to address Guyana’s labour training needs.

A six-member delegation comprising the principal and one member of faculty each from Georgetown Technical Institute, Linden Technical Institute and New Amsterdam Technical Institute visited Trinidad at the invitation of NESC-TI as it continues its thrust to promote technical vocational skills training regionally.

They include Anthony Hector, Principal – Linden TI; Fiona Rassoul, Principal – New Amsterdam TI; Kern Dass, President – NESC-TI and Renita Duncan, Principal – Georgetown TI. Troy Farrell – Senior Lecturer, Linden TI; Michael Jacque, Deputy Principal – New Amsterdam TI; Indra Ramroop-Ramkissoon, Dean – NESC’s School of Continuing Education and Revon Thornman – Lecturer, Georgetown TI.

“Regional collaboration in technical education is a learning process for us all and NESC is available to support and enhance efforts aimed at contributing to the development of technical skills,” said Kern Dass, NESC-TI President at the signing ceremony .

The visiting delegation had the opportunity to tour NESC-TI campuses at Point Lisas, Ste Madeleine and Woodford Lodge, Chaguanas as well as interact with subject matter experts in welding, drilling rig operations, electrical and instrumentation and IT.

“I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with NESC-TI again. Training in drilling rig operations and instrumentation and process control are areas for development in Guyana and I am sure our collaboration will benefit both Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago,” said Anthony Hector, Principal of Linden Technical Institute.

NESC-TI has already made in-roads in training in Guyana. In 2022, ten instructors from Linden Technical Institute graduated with NESC.diplomas in Heavy Equipment.

T&T fiscal surplus for Oct ‘22 to June ‘23

2023, 08/29

The government’s fiscal accounts recorded a surplus of $88 million in the first nine months of the current 2023 fiscal year, according to the July 2023 Economic Bulletin, published yesterday by the Central Bank.

The fiscal surplus for the same period in 2022, from October 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 was $3 billion.
For the first nine months of the 2023 fiscal year, T&T experienced improvements in energy revenues but the lower year-on-year fiscal outturn resulted from higher expenditure coupled with a marginal fall-off in non-energy receipts.

Central government revenue expanded by 5.9 per cent (year-on-year) to $40.5 billion, due primarily to improved energy revenue.
During the reference period, energy revenue increased by $2.4 billion to $21.0 billion.
Corporation taxes from energy companies (which include supplemental petroleum tax and petroleum profits tax), representing 76.7 per cent total energy sector revenue, were responsible for a $1.5 billion boost to government revenue.
Revenues from the non-energy sector declined by $139.4 million (year-on-year) to $19.5 billion.
The fall-off in non-energy revenue was led by a $695.9 million reduction in taxes from goods and services, of which Value Added Tax (VAT) receipts is the largest component.
Despite $7.4 billion in gross VAT receipts over the period, accelerated payments of VAT refunds ($2.9 billion) resulted in net VAT revenues of $4.5 billion.

On expenditure, the Central Bank noted that central government expenditure grew by $5.2 billion (year-on-year) to $40.4 billion.
There were increases across all sub-categories of recurrent spending, but “the growth in expenditure was primarily driven by an additional $3.6 billion in transfers and subsidies, partly owing to an increase of $890.5 million in transfers to households.”
The increase in transfers to households was mainly due to the petroleum subsidy that amounted to $1 billion between October 1 2022 and June 30, 2023.
Capital spending increased to $2.3 billion, compared to $1.7 billion recorded in the comparative period of the previous fiscal year.
A supplemental appropriation of an additional $3.9 billion in spending for the 2023 Budget was approved by Parliament in May 2023.
Of the $3.9 billion approved, $3.4 billion is earmarked for transfers and subsidies (which includes $1.6 billion for the petroleum subsidy) while an additional $362.7 million is to be spent on the capital programme.
Total expenditure is expected to increase to $62.1 billion.

Debt
General government debt grew by $925.6 million to $140.3 billion in the period October 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, according to the Bulletin.

Adjusted general government debt outstanding (which excludes debt issued for sterilisation purposes) also rose to $134.6 billion (68.2 per cent of GDP) at the end of June 2023 from $129.7 billion (66.5 per cent of GDP) recorded at the end of September 2022.

Central government domestic debt (excluding sterilised debt) reached $70.0 billion (35.5 per cent of GDP) at the end of June 2023 from $66.2 billion (33.9 per cent of GDP) at the end of September 2022.

External debt increased to $32.2 billion (16.3 per cent of GDP) in June 2023, $100.0 million higher than at the end of September 2022.

In the first nine months of the 2023 fiscal year, a total of US$122.8 million was disbursed, including US$60.0 million from the Corporación Andina de Fomento (CAF) to support the Digital Transformation and Digital Inclusion Strategy.

Other disbursements included US$27.2 million from the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) for infrastructure projects, US$20.5 million from the Unicredit Bank of Austria for the construction of the Sangre Grande Hospital, while US$12.0 million was drawn down from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), a lending arm of the World Bank Group, for the COVID-19 Emergency Response.

TRINIDAD