On Wednesday 19th August 2026, Dr the Honourable Roodal Moonilal Minister of Energy and Energy Industries; Mrs Ava Mahabir-Dass, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries; and Mr Marc Rudder, Chief Technical Officer at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries met with executives from Touchstone Exploration (Trinidad) Limited. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries’ South Office, La Romaine.
The Touchstone Exploration executive team included Mr Paul Baay, President and Chief Executive Officer, Touchstone Exploration (Trinidad) Limited; and Mr. Xavier Moonan, Exploration Manager, Touchstone Exploration (Trinidad) Limited.
At the meeting, the Touchstone executives updated the Energy Minister on the company’s ongoing operations and future plans in Trinidad and Tobago.
Discussions covered the ongoing development of acreage operated by Touchstone, the progress made thus far, and any barriers to success. Particular focus was placed on increasing oil and gas production in the short-term from the Central Block and from Cascadura field in the Ortoire Block.
Minister Moonilal reiterated the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to maintaining open channels of communication with industry stakeholders and ensuring that the regulatory environment remains supportive of investment, innovation, and competitive performance in the energy sector.
Minister Moonilal requested another meeting in due course for updates on the matters raised and encouraged the company to maintain its momentum in advancing exploration and production activities onshore.
From left to right: Mr Marc Rudder, Chief Technical Officer at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries; Mrs Ava Mahabir-Dass, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries; Dr the Honourable Roodal Moonilal Minister of Energy and Energy Industries; Mr Paul Baay, President and Chief Executive Officer, Touchstone Exploration (Trinidad) Limited; and Mr. Xavier Moonan, Exploration Manager, Touchstone Exploration (Trinidad) Limited.
Media Release- Energy Minister Meets with Touchstone Exploration