Former Energy Minister Stuart Young has rejected claims attributed to Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal concerning the language of the Dragon Gas agreement, insisting that official English translations accompanied the Spanish-language documents.
Speaking at an opposition press conference, Young responded to Moonilal’s reported statement that the only agreement located concerning the Dragon Gas project was written in Spanish.
Young argued that Spanish-language documents were entirely normal because Spanish is Venezuela’s official language.
However, he maintained that English translations were provided whenever the agreements were executed.
He said lawyers representing the Trinidad and Tobago government, Shell and BP participated in the negotiations and documentation process.
Young also referred to a 30-year Dragon Gas licence and a separate 20-year licence associated with other gas developments.
He questioned why the Ministry of Energy would be unable to locate English versions, suggesting that copies should be available through the ministry or participating energy companies.
Young also identified the National Gas Company, Shell and BP as organisations that could potentially assist in locating the documents.
His statements directly challenge the impression that English-language documentation was unavailable.
The original agreements and translations were not presented for independent examination during the supplied press conference.
