Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley extends an open invitation to BP, while in the same breath reaffirming government’s commitment to increasing royalties on the sector.

Dr. Rowley admits the country is dealing with economic challenges but tells BP to bring your platform blueprints and come.

Dr. Rowley is hoping that the company will build its Cassia oil drilling platform in La Brea.

However makes it clear that he must protect the interests of Trinidad and Tobago.

Speaking with party supporters at the convention of the Peoples National Movement, he said discussions are taking place with BP with the hope that the country can win the Cassia platform bid.

The Prime Minister also said his government has undertaken several projects which will soon bear fruit.

Dr. Rowley also addressed the issue of government’s 12.5 per cent royalty on gas.

He said while talking with BP he explained that like the company, he too has shareholders, the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

He said the people are the original owners of the resource and they too need to be satisfied and it cannot be that whilst the grass is growing, the horse is starving.