Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal says an investigation has been launched into reports by the Venezuelan Government of an oil spill in the Gulf of Paria.

The Venezuelan Government, led by Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, issued a communiqué earlier tonight expressing concern to the international community regarding the oil spill “originating from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, which has caused serious environmental damage in the Gulf of Paria and coastal areas of the states of Sucre and Delta Amacuro.”

The communiqué stated that preliminary technical reports confirmed impacts on marine areas, coastlines, sensitive ecosystems and Venezuelan fishing communities.