By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
Trinidad & Tobago: Shell Navigates US Sanctions for Dragon Gas Field
Shell Global CEO Wael Sawan has identified the development of the Dragon gas field as a top regional priority, though progress remains contingent on regulatory clearance from Washington. Speaking with Bloomberg on Thursday, Sawan confirmed that Shell is awaiting specific approval from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to advance the offshore Venezuelan project.
The plan involves piping natural gas from Venezuelan waters directly into Trinidad’s existing energy infrastructure, which currently has significant idle capacity.
- The Objective: To stabilize Trinidad’s declining domestic gas production and enhance regional energy security.
- The “Dragon” Timeline: If OFAC approval is secured shortly, a Final Investment Decision (FID) could be reached this year, with “first gas” possible by late 2028 or 2029.
- CEO Quote: Sawan framed the project as a win-win: “It’ll be good for the Venezuelan people and great for the Trinidadians.”
Venezuela: Amnesty Law for Political Detainees Passes First Vote
In a landmark move toward national reconciliation, Venezuela’s National Assembly unanimously approved an amnesty law in its first reading on Thursday, February 5. The bill, spearheaded by interim President Delcy Rodríguez, aims to move past nearly three decades of political conflict.
The “Amnesty Law for Democratic Coexistence” follows the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in January.
- Scope of Clemency: The law covers charges of “treason,” “terrorism,” and “inciting hate”—common accusations used against dissidents since 1999.
- Restoration of Rights: It would return seized assets and lift bans on opposition figures like María Corina Machado.
- Release Timeline: While NGOs like Foro Penal report that roughly 380 prisoners have been released since January, Assembly Chief Jorge Rodríguez stated that all remaining political detainees should be freed by February 13.
Mexico: The “Cuba Fuel” Diplomatic Crisis
Mexico is searching for a way to maintain its humanitarian support for Cuba without triggering crippling U.S. tariffs. Following President Trump’s January 29 Executive Order, which threatens “ad valorem” duties on any nation supplying oil to the island, Mexico City has found itself in a tight corner.
- Humanitarian Stance: President Claudia Sheinbaum has characterized fuel shipments as a “sovereign and humanitarian” necessity to prevent a collapse of Cuba’s hospitals and food systems.
- Negotiation Status: High-level Mexican officials are reportedly in daily contact with the U.S. State Department to seek a “carve-out” or clarity on the tariff scope.
- Current Impact: While some shipments were reportedly halted in mid-January, Mexico is exploring sending a “humanitarian tanker” containing fuel, food, and medicine to address the “acute shortage” announced by Havana this week.
