The announcement by fertiliser giant Nutrien Ltd on Monday that it would be closing its doors in Trinidad caught hundreds of employees by surprise, leaving them stunned, scared and more nervous about the future.
Three employees spoke with Guardian Media yesterday about how the closure has left them reeling.
Forced to start over afresh as they struggle to pick up the pieces, one long-time employee said news of the closure hit him hard as he faces the challenge of navigating the job market once again.
“A 22-year-old career just like that was over.
“What am I to do now? And for the many other fellow workers, our thoughts are the same. This will affect more than just our families, but the economy of this country. I pray and hope that the Government can intervene and save our families and friends and communities from this horrible situation.”
Following a town hall meeting yesterday, employees say they were left feeling further dejected after learning that their severance packages would be calculated to the “bare minimum” and that no enhanced offers would be extended to staff.
The three employees voiced concerns that the monies to be paid are reportedly being calculated using an outdated formula and actually leave them more disenfranchised than their former colleagues who would have left the company in 2020, during the last retrenchment exercise.
The employees whose service all exceed 20 years each, took umbrage at what Nutrien will be paying out.
One employee said, “It’s underwhelming as compared to the past payouts.
“There was a retrenchment in 2020 and they would have gotten more money than persons being retrenched now.”
A second employee alleged, “Government got greedy starting with port fees. The Government looking for quick money, not anything long term.”
He claimed no input had been sought from locals and that everything had been decided by officials at the head office in Canada.
Company officials yesterday confirmed that, “Nearly all current roles at the Point Lisas facility will be affected.”
Workforce reductions, meanwhile, will be implemented following consultation. “Some employees may leave earlier in the process, while a small number of employees may be required for a period of time to support the safe transition of the facility.”
Officials commiserated with the employees that, “This facility is much more than a place where we come to work each day.
“It represents livelihoods, friendships, and community. Together, we have accomplished a great deal, and we can be proud of what we achieved here.”
The company refused to announce individual outcomes and end dates yesterday.
Instead, officials said, “Those details, including which roles may be required to support the transition, will be finalised following consultation.”
Final retrenchment decisions will only be made after consultations are completed, and these meetings are to be led by designated HR leaders and representatives.
Counsellors were said to be on-site from yesterday.
Nutrien will indefinitely shut down its Trinidad Nitrogen operations at the Point Lisas Facility following an extensive review of strategic alternatives and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
In a formal announcement on Monday, the company said that, due to ongoing natural gas constraints and uncertainty, this was determined to be the optimal path to enhance free cash flow and return on invested capital.
Nutrien previously implemented a controlled shutdown of the facility on October 23, 2025, in response to port access restrictions and a lack of reliable and economic natural gas supply that reduced the free cash flow contribution of the Trinidad Nitrogen operations over an extended period of time.
A third employee, with over 20 years of service, revealed his “accidental” entry into the sector and how it turned into a life-long career which enabled him to successfully raise two children.
Revealing the fear he has now been left with following the announcement, the anxious man said he is not angry but disappointed.
“Having left secondary school not knowing what direction I wanted to head in was a bit scary. My aim at this time was to talk to a lot of people around me and get some ideas of what I could do for a career and study along that path.
“Luckily enough, one of my neighbours was a teacher at the then-San Fernando Technical Institute and he told me about all of the tertiary programmes that they offered and my eyes lit up when I saw Process Plant Operations.
“Such a unique name and occupation. So I proceeded to do the two-year course and completed it with excellent results. Now was the time to choose companies and send out resumes.
“I took the newspapers and watched the television like a hawk (as social media back in 2004 was not as popular or may not even have been here in Trinidad as yet.)
“My attention was caught by the energy giant PCS Nitrogen and the facility they operated in Point Lisas.
“I sent in my resume and prayed to God that I would be called for an interview.
“Two weeks later, I was called and the process started. Hearing about the company and shift work from the interviewers made me smile … all I was thinking about was the amount of money I would have made.
“It was music to a 21-year-old. I started to work and build my career at this fertiliser giant. Throughout my career, there were many challenges. Exams and hard work to get to where I am today.
“But through it all, I was able to get married, buy new vehicles, buy a home and start a family.
“It was a career that afforded me a comfortable life, being able to go on family vacations yearly and I felt that I had everything to be thankful and happy for.
“But one year ago that all changed. In the blink of an eye, the company made a decision to take the Trinidad site of production due to gas shortages and raised port fees. All of our contract staff were immediately sent home. The permanent workers like myself were kept on and salaries paid as usual.
“On October 5, there was an email sent to all staff of a town hall that would take place in 45 minutes. Now, such short notice left a lot of the workers concerned cause this couldn’t be good news. At the meeting, we were told of the situation and that all workers will be affected and that severance packages will be consulted with the HR Department. What we had been dreading for an entire year was finally happening.
“The atmosphere changed; you could see everyone’s face in pure shock and disbelief. The thoughts started to run through my mind… what will I do now, how will I be able to afford my mortgage, my car payments, my child who is pursuing tertiary education now, how will I be able to afford school fees?”
“My chest tightened and I could feel my heart pounding. I took a deep breath and said in my mind, God, you’re in charge and I leave it up to you to help me find a way.”
