Touchstone Exploration meet with Trinidad and Tobago Gov't Officials
CEO Paul Baay and some of his management team met with Ministry of Energy and Energy
Industries officals in Trinidad yesterday. In the recent Q3 video presentation, CEO Paul Baay
mentioned that he would be spending more time in Trinidad in the coming months, maybe a
couple of weeks every month.
Would be even better if Touchstone was able to meet with the T&T Gov't ministry responsible
for finances, see if the Gov't can free up some or all of the US$8 - $10 million Value Added Tax
refunds that are owed to Touchstone.
energy.gov.tt
Energy Minister Meets with Touchstone Exploration
The Honourable Ernesto Kesar, Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries,
Ms. Karinsa Tulsie, Permanent Secretary (Ag.), and Mr. Marc Rudder, Deputy Permanent
Secretary (Ag.) met with executives from Touchstone Exploration (Trinidad) Limited on
Monday 8th December 2025 at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries International
Waterfront Complex, Head Office, Port-of-Spain.
The Touchstone Exploration executive team included Mr. Paul Baay, President and Chief
Executive Officer, Touchstone Exploration (Trinidad) Limited; Dr. Priya Marajh, Director,
Touchstone Exploration (Trinidad) Limited; and Mr. Xavier Moonan, Exploration Manager,
Touchstone Exploration (Trinidad) Limited.
At the meeting, Touchstone updated the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI)
executives on the company’s ongoing operations and future plans in Trinidad and Tobago.
This meeting allowed for both parties to reaffirm their shared commitment to sustainable
development of the country’s onshore resources and processing facilities. Touchstone
provided a brief update on its activities across the acreage it operates, acknowledging
the progress achieved since first production from the Ortoire Block and reiterating the
company’s focus on responsible development, operational efficiency, and long-term i
nvestment.
Minister Kesar 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 Kesar commended Touchstone for its continuing contribution to
the development of the sector and encouraged the company to maintain its momentum in
advancing exploration and production work.
The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries together with Touchstone Exploration remain
committed to continuing to work together to enhance value from the energy sector through
continued exploration and production, particularly in the onshore areas of the country.
Media Release-Energy Minister Meets with Touchstone Exploration
 From left to right: Mr Marc Rudder, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.); Ms Karinsa Tulsie,
Permanent Secretary (Ag.); The Honourable Ernesto Kesar, Minister in the Ministry of Energy
and Energy Industries; Mr Paul Baay, President and Chief Executive Officer, Touchstone
Exploration (Trinidad) Limited; Dr Priya Marajh, Director, Touchstone Exploration (Trinidad)
Limited; and Mr Xavier Moonan, Exploration Manager,
Touchstone Exploration (Trinidad) Limited. |
