Venezuela demands detailed information and compensation from Trinidad and Tobago over a reported hydrocarbon spill affecting shared waters and coastal ecosystems.
Caracas asks Trinidad and Tobago to report details of a hydrocarbon spill, outline mitigation steps, and compensate for environmental and economic damage.
Venezuela has formally demanded that Trinidad and Tobago provide detailed information and compensation over a reported hydrocarbon spill that Caracas says originated from the island nation and has impacted Venezuelan waters, ecosystems, and fishing communities.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil described the lack of information from Trinidad and Tobago as “extremely serious,” adding that Caracas still does not know the exact origin, volume, or type of hydrocarbons involved.
Gil stated: “Trinidad and Tobago is first obliged to immediately report to the Government of Venezuela any spill incident or environmental incident. That is the first step. Second, we must have information on the type of product that was spilled and the measures for its mitigation.”
He also called for “responsibility in this type of event” and said Venezuela has sent multiple communications to the Trinidadian government to assess the impact. Gil presented satellite images dated April 28, which he said show the spill originating from Trinidad.
Venezuela concerned about the spill
According to Gil, Venezuelan institutions have been working on the issue for several weeks, including the Ministry of Ecosocialism (Environment), the Fisheries and Aquaculture authorities, PDVSA, the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces (INEA), and the Navy.
He warned that 1,625 square kilometers across twelve strategic wetland systems have been affected, along with the livelihoods of more than 500 fishermen. Four national parks are also at risk.
Gil added that there have been “limitations in fishing operations,” generating significant economic costs and restricting commercialization. He said the situation has caused both economic and environmental damage, affecting more than 140 fish species as well as mangroves in the area.
Authorities have collected more than twelve tons of hydrocarbon-related materials for analysis. Gil also noted that between 2015 and 2023, more than 876 spills of different compounds were recorded in the same area.
Environmental impact complaint
Venezuela first reported the spill on May 9, citing “serious environmental damage” in the Gulf of Paria, which is shared by both countries, as well as coastal zones in the Venezuelan states of Sucre and Delta Amacuro.
On May 10, Trinidad and Tobago Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal told EFE that no visible hydrocarbon spill from his country had been identified.
Last week, Venezuelan authorities announced an expansion of volunteer brigades to contain the spill.
Caracas continues to press for official reporting, mitigation details, and compensation as environmental and economic assessments of the incident continue.
Author: MK
Source: @yvangil / EFE
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