Momentum- Let’s Debate What Matters in the Energy Sector

Thirty-five (35) ‘interns’ at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries participated in a two-round knock out debate called “Momentum- Let’s debate on what matters in the energy sector.” The preliminary round of this debate was held on 29th July, 2024 and the much-anticipated final was hosted on 16th August, 2024 at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, International Waterfront Complex, Head-Office, Port-of-Spain.

Team ‘Energizers,’ comprising of Karishma Maharaj; Maya Wylie; Hershell Khan; Dania Cummings; Shaquille Rawlins; Solange Parker; Imani Griffith and Virender Ramnarine lifted the winning trophy as they emerged as the first champions of the esteemed debate. Their topic was, “Should Trinidad and Tobago continue with its development and sustaining of its hydrocarbon-based economy?”

In second place was the team ‘Drillers’, compromising of Britney Rajkumar; Cianna Riley; Katalia Cato; Jyoti Dowlath; Nia Subero; Jaliyah Clarke; Adan Deo; and Xavier Pamphile. The Honourable Stuart R. Young S.C. , M.P. Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister was present at the debate and presented both teams with their trophies and medals.

Minister Young commended the teams on their debate skills, friendly rivalry, team support and the hard work that was put into researching the respective topics. At the preliminary round, the topics debated were, “Should the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago develop shared resources with a sanctioned country” and “Should natural gas be considered a transition fuel in the context of the energy transition.”

To prepare the interns for their challenge, the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries hosted a number events aimed towards developing critical thinking skills, confidence on speaking about the energy sector and mentorship. These events included, ‘Driven- A Conversation with the Honourable Stuart R. Young SC, MP. Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister,’ where the Energy Minister had one-on-one conversation with the interns and answered their pointed questions on the energy sector. The interns also received tours of Trinidad and Tobago’s robust energy sector assets at Atlantic LNG, Trinidad Generation Unlimited (TGU) and the National Energy Skills Center (NESC) Drilling Academy.

The Honourable Stuart R. Young S.C., M.P. Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister continues to advocate for the next generation of young professionals within Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector.

The winning team ‘Energizers’

The winning team ‘Energizers’ is presented with the challenge trophy by The Honourable Stuart R. Young S.C. , M.P. Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister.

In second place team ‘Drillers.’

At the debate podium, Ms. Karishma Maharaj, team lead of the winning team, ‘Energizers.’

From left to right: Team Energizers and Team Drillers.

The 2024 cohort of interns at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries at ‘Driven-A Conversation with the Honourable Stuart R. Young SC, MP. Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister’ which was hosted on 29th July, 2024.

The 2024 cohort of interns at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries at Atlantic LNG on 13th August, 2024.

The MEEI’s interns at the NESC Drilling Academy.