Trinidad and Tobago seeks deals with US companies for data centers

Key Points:

• Trinidad and Tobago signed memorandums of understanding with U.S. companies Hummingbird AI Holdings and Ernst and Young LLP to develop large-scale data centers with capacities of 150 MW and 300 MW respectively, marking the first such agreements in the Caribbean.
• The deals have sparked concerns about the environmental impact, particularly regarding high energy consumption and potential strain on the country's already limited water supply, which experiences frequent shortages and intermittent distribution.
• Local activist Dr. Wayne Kublalsingh criticized the projects, suggesting they may not represent genuine development and could exacerbate existing resource challenges in the twin-island nation.
• The government also signed an agreement with Pinnacle Steel and Vanadium Corporation to discuss recommissioning a local iron and steel plant, with all three initiatives expected to create over 5,000 jobs.
• Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar highlighted U.S. government involvement in facilitating these agreements and emphasized the investments as part of economic development efforts.