- Government Criticised: Member of Parliament Stuart Young blames the current UNC government’s incompetence for the indefinite closure of Nutrien’s Point Lisas plant.
- Economic Blow: Young warns that the shutdown will result in a massive loss of jobs and foreign exchange for Trinidad and Tobago.
- Budget Warning: The former Energy Minister cautions the public against being misled in the upcoming budget presentation, noting a complete lack of new gas projects.
By Alicia Chamely
The indefinite closure of Canadian fertiliser giant Nutrien’s Point Lisas plant is “black and white,” confirmation of the government’s failure to manage the energy sector, says Member of Parliament for Port of Spain North/St. Ann’s West, Stuart Young.
Responding to Monday’s announcement that Nutrien would be shuttering its Point Lisas operations after idling the plant close to one year ago, Young criticised the government’s handling of the Nutrien negotiations. He stated, “This is black and white confirmation of the reality of the incompetence of the UNC in managing our delicate and important energy sector.”
Posting on his social media, Young stated that the closure of Nutrien was “bad news,” for all of Trinidad and Tobago.
Young stated, “Nutrien has shut down its Trinidad and Tobago operations. This is a loss of foreign exchange, massive loss of jobs, not only at the plants but all associated service providers as well.”
According to reports, as of January 2026, Nutrien had 400 permanent and 100 contract employees attached to the plant.
Young stated that during his tenure as Energy Minister, the People’s National Movement (PNM) government managed the sector during difficult times by balancing needs and supplies and ensuring profitability.
Criticising the current government, Young stated, “The UNC is incapable of negotiating and finding the necessary middle ground needed in tough times. This is the first of more to come, unfortunately, and it is a very sad day for Trinidad and Tobago.”
Young pointed out that no new gas project was attributable to the UNC government and warned the public of being “misled,” in next week’s budget reading.
