ANNUAL G.S.T.T. DINNER
The 1987 Annual GSTT Dinner and Dance was held at Farrel
House Hotel on Saturday October 1 7. Guest speaker was the Honourable Kelvin Ramnath, Minister of Energy and excerpts
from his address are published here:
"The Ministry of Energy recently received Cabinet's approval to undertake 6 major geological and geophysical
studies, which we expect will have some impact on increasing oil and gas production. These studies, we hope, will
prove up additional reserves and spur production levels.
These projects are:
1. A biostratigraphy of the Galeota ridge. The Galeota Ridge, I am told, is the most complex area of the entire
east coast marine area, with 2 companies having leases.
The Ministry is of the view that an independent study should be conducted using samples from the 12 wells which
have been drilled to date in the vicinity of the Ridge.
2. Geological and Geophysical evaluation of the open east coast area marine acreages, in preparation for possible
bidding in 1988.
The Ministry of Energy proposes to embark upon the second round of competitive bidding of its open acreages and
it is expected that many of the open blocks in the east coast marine acreages will be included in this bidding
package.
Consequently we intend to carry out a complete re-evaluation of the various blocks to determine the potential
of each, particularly in the light of recent geological developments and advances in data reprocessing.
3. Reprocessing of seismic data in block S-11, Columbus Channel.
This block of some 175,000 acres, in the eastern part of the Columbus Channel is virtually unexplored since only
one well has been drilled in this area to date.
New concepts on the geology of the area have suggested that significant stratigraphic trapping may be present.
Existing data on this block is fairly old, however rapid advances in computer technology have
allowed for much improved data quality which will lead to subsequent improvement in the knowledge of the geology
of the area, and hence a more accurate assessment of its petroleum potential.
It is also proposed to embark upon competitive bidding of this block towards the end of this year.
4- Geological/Geophysical appraisal of leased East Coast Marine acreages.
This appraisal is to ensure that the areas under lease to the various companies in this acreage are being exploited
in the best interest of the country
It will also determine whether any further exploration prospects remain in virgin areas, whether there are reserves
behind casing and the extent of these, and also whether deeper prospects occur in the drilled areas.
5. Geological re-evaluation of the Northern Basin.
This basin is a vast area between the Northern and Central ranges, and only limited success has been achieved in
the few scattered wells drilled over the years.
A full reconnaissance vibroseis survey is highly desirable, but the magnitude of the cost makes this prohibitive
at this time. However, the Ministry will carry out an evaluation using existing data so that we may identify and
prioritise the areas where smaller surveys should be concentrated.
The sixth and last major project relates to the training of personnel to develop expertise in the use of a work
station to interpret seismic data. The Ministry of Energy is considering the acquisition of a geological/geophysical
work station. Such equipment will enable the Ministry to interpret the voluminous 3-D data. This, as you know,
is presently contracted out to foreign based companies.
This project will have significant impact: it will build up local expertise; it will be used to interpret and work
out hydrocarbon reserves; and further, the new facility is a potential foreign exchange earner in that it could
be leased to Caribbean and Latin American countries.
From the summary I have given, you will realise that the Ministry of Energy is not prepared merely to express
concern over the decline in oil production, but is determined to explore every possibility to arrest the decline.
The other area of concern to geologists in which the Ministry of Energy is pursuing urgent action relates to the
Quarry Industry.
The Ministry has completed its study of quarry legislation and has compiled all the inputs, including those which
we received from the Quarry Association.
I anticipate that the legislation will be introduced at the new sitting of Parliament and that the new laws will
facilitate a more orderly and effective development of this important industry.
The Ministry is fully cognisant of its responsibilities in the management of virtually all of the mineral resources
of the country. To this end we are in the process of preparing a comprehensive policy on the country's mineral
resources. This policy will address both the long term and short term developmental needs of the country.
Related to this policy is the need for us in Trinidad and Tobago to mobilise the widespread geological expertise
that does exist in the country.
In this context there is a relatively urgent requirement for us to comprehensively identify all the Country's
mineral resources. Specifically, we need to compile a mineral resources inventory and the publication of an
economic geology map. It is my view that there is a major role for your Society and your members in this major
national effort.
Which brings me, ladies and gentlemen, to the serious imperatives which face our geologists in the current circumstances
The fundamental requirement is that you must adopt a more positive role in the development of the industry to which
you belong. In this you should not limit yourselves merely to the technical aspects of your profession.
For a start, I would expect that your Society will take steps to hold an open forum with the specific purpose of
developing views on the draft energy policy which has been published by the Ministry of Energy.
The policy contains proposals which have direct relevance to geologists and the field of geology. For example,
we have recognised the importance and need for geologists to have information and consequently we have proposed
a limit on the time period for which basic information should remain proprietary.
We all know that actors in the industry, in their desire to pursue aggressive policies, often adopt selfish postures
and are reluctant to share important data. This is a tendency which we must overcome if the industry as a whole
is to achieve the high level of development we all wish and which is required in the national interest.
There are also other areas of the Ministry's energy policy which are also of importance to geologists. For
example, what are the views of your members on the proposal to rationalise the industry and establish a single
state company to undertake exploration and production .
What is critical, Mr. President, members of the Geological Society, is that you yourselves understand the opportunities
which are now open to you for making a broader and more positive contribution in influencing and shaping the developing
of the industry.
This new role calls for the adoption of a new level of professionalism which must be supported by a higher degree
of self development. Opportunities must be sought and exploited by every member of the Society so that you
will be better equipped to make the contribution that is now expected of you.
As a Minister of Government and one who has a continuing interest in the industry, I am naturally concerned
about the availability of opportunities for the development of professionals who are employed in the energy sector,
particularly in our state enterprises.
There is still evidence and reason to suggest that those who manage these enterprises have not been sufficiently
imbued with the spirit which came with the new dispensation. As a Government we are determined to ensure that those
who demonstrate competence, commitment and a willingness to apply their talents in the interest of the country
are allowed ample opportunity for the development of their fullest potential. I shall continue to use whatever
influence may be at my disposal to achieve this objective.
As a country we cannot condone sub-optimal use of our valuable human resources. At this critical juncture of our
economic development it is imperative that every single person be enjoined and facilitated to make the maximum
contribution to the reconstruction and revitalisation of our country.
The task before us is urgent, and I therefore feel confident that my ministry will have the full support of
the membership of your Society in promoting the national interest."
HONOUR ROLL AT GST'T 1987 ANNUAL DINNER
1. BEST TECHNICAL PAPER: The Identification and Correlation of Petroleum Source Rocks and Crude
Oils in Trinidad. - K. Rodrigues
2. BEST FIELD TRIP Geology of the island of Margarita - J. Frampton, W. All and H. Marcus
3. CORPORATE AWARD Trinidad and Tobago Oil Company Ltd. (TRINTOC)
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