Minister of Energy Stuart Young met with representatives of the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Fund to discuss the next steps in the claims process for compensation relating to the Tobago oil spill. Also present at the meeting were representatives of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard; Ministry of Works and Transport; and the Institute of Marine Affairs. The Minister expects the total clean up effort to cost up to US$20 million. At the meeting, Minister Young reiterated the intention of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to take legal action against the owner of the barge Gulfstream and the owner of the tug Solo Creed, and assured the IOPC that Trinidad and Tobago continues to aggressively pursue leads utilising all available resources. The IOPC indicated that the next steps included treating with the claims that encompass economic loss due to the oil spill. This transparent and thorough process will be led by the IOPC with the aim that all claims are validated and considered for compensation. All parties pledged full cooperation and continuous communication to ensure a seamless claims process.
In April 2024, Minister Young led a high-level delegation to London with the goal of championing Trinidad and Tobago’s case for compensation for its oil spill response activities pertaining to the Tobago oil spill to the IOPC. Following a compelling presentation, the IOPC agreed to make payments of compensation in respect of claims arising from the incident.