The Trinidad and Tobago Energy Chamber says it has heard the Government’s concerns and is committed to rebuilding a collaborative working relationship, following the withdrawal of state support and participation from the 2026 Conference and Tradeshow.

Speaking at the opening of the conference January 26, Chamber chairman Marla Baliraj addressed last week’s announcement by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar who outlined the Government’s position on the Safe to Work (STOW) programme and its decision to pull state-owned enterprises and ministry officials from the event.

Persad-Bissessar had accused the Energy Chamber of weaponising the safety programme to get high fees from small local contractors, which effectively barred them from the energy sector.

Baliraj said the Chamber had received “tough feedback” and was treating it as constructive criticism.

“We have listened to the message,” she said, noting that the Chamber has committed to reflect, review and make changes where necessary. “Our intention is always to work towards a collaborative approach with all of our stakeholders.”

She said the Chamber hopes to reposition itself to allow for open and structured engagement with the Government, with the aim of achieving better outcomes for the energy sector as a whole.

Baliraj added that the Chamber values the participation of state enterprises, Ministry of Energy officials and other state agencies, and looks forward to a time when they can return to the conference space.

“We have always valued their participation and contributions, and we hope for the opportunity to welcome them back,” she said.

While acknowledging that not all of the issues raised could be addressed during her opening remarks, Baliraj said the Chamber would engage with the Government through the appropriate channels in a constructive and respectful manner.

She identified three key areas of concern raised in recent discussions, starting with the Safe to Work programme, which the Energy Chamber administers on behalf of the industry.

Baliraj acknowledged that some stakeholders believe the programme is no longer meeting its original objectives of improving safety standards while enabling smaller local contractors to pre-qualify with major operators. In some cases, she said, the programme has been viewed as a barrier to doing business due to associated costs.

Given the Government’s position, Baliraj said the current configuration of contractor safety management certification will not remain unchanged.

“The commitment is to find what the forward step is,” she said, adding that any new approach must retain strong safety standards while addressing areas that are not working effectively. 

She said this would be done through a consultative process involving industry stakeholders.

Baliraj stressed that safety remains non-negotiable in the energy sector.

“This is not a theoretical issue,” she said. “It is a day-to-day operating reality, and it is about protecting lives and ensuring that workers return home safely to their families.”

The second issue raised was the perception that the Energy Chamber is dominated by multinational companies and a small group of larger local firms. 

Baliraj said while the Chamber’s membership includes around 400 organisations ranging from global corporations to micro-enterprises, she acknowledged that the perception exists and must be addressed.

She said the Chamber will review its internal governance structures to ensure fair and balanced representation and broader engagement with members and external stakeholders.

The third issue related to the purpose of the Energy Conference itself. 

Baliraj said the event has always been intended as an annual space for industry players to come together, discuss shared challenges and build relationships that strengthen the sector’s resilience.

She said that while on-stage discussions are important, the informal interactions across the conference are equally valuable.