Dowlath opposes two HDC projects in San Fernando West

PNM San Fernando West candidate Faris Al-Rawi -

UNC candidate for San Fernando West Dr Michael Dowlath signalled his opposition to two proposed HDC public housing projects proposed for San Fernando, addressing a UNC rally at Pagoda carpark, Independence Avenue, San Fernando, on April 16.

He began by hitting the tenure of MP Faris Al-Rawi and the term of the PNM government. Dowlath accused Al-Rawi of having sold residents a dream in the 2020 general election. Dowlath said Al-Rawi had promised 50,000 new jobs which had not materialised and had promised 11 development projects out of which Dowlath said eight had not been completed.

Dowlath alleged deplorable roads, flooding, garbage pile-up, crime and no opportunities for youth in the constituency under the current government and Al-Rawi.

"He has been missing for ten years. In San Fernando we are done with failure. San Fernando deserves better. When UNC wins, everybody wins!"

Dowlath said he had a plan and a manifesto for San Fernando.

"I am not here to deliver empty promises."

He urged the scrapping of an HDC project proposed for Todd Street.

Dowlath, retired principal of Naparima College, urged, "Allow the development of a sustainable education district. I will ensure Todd Street remains a school zone."

He vowed to establish an innovation company to develop the skills of youngsters in the constituency. AI, cyber security and software development would be promoted there, he said.

Dowlath reminded that UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has always preached that education was the passport out of poverty.

Vowing to make the area more liveable, he promised to fix local roads and drains, and address garbage collection by better funding to the San Fernando City Corporation.

Side-walks must be accessible to wheelchair-assisted persons, he said.

On crime, Dowlath said a UNC government would bring back the community comfort patrol.

"We will work towards legally-approved gated communities. Homes and streets will be safe." He promised CCTV cameras in residential areas.

Dowlath supported UNC plans for law-abiding citizens to more easily access firearms for personal protection.

A safer San Fernando will benefit local businesses, he said.

"We will upgrade San Fernando Market." He said his recent visit there has unearthed a lack of customers, resulting mainly in just vendors buying from vendors. "The toilets are very unsanitary." he lamented.

Dowlath lamented that the city's landmark Carnegie Free Library was now boarded up with galvanise sheets, "a symbol of decay under the PNM," he said.

He vowed to support its restoration to serve local youngsters, especially with a computer hub inside.

Dowlath also opposed a $300 million HDC high-rise proposed for the city's waterfront development project, instead supporting the creation of a commercial shopping and food district.

"San Fernando West, we have a beautiful coastline. It is filled with pollution – filthy, neglected and polluted. I will lead an initiative to clean up the coastline."

He said a land reclamation project had ruined areas of the coast where fish get their food, resulting in them going further out to sea which was a journey fishermen must also make now.

"We are going to promote marine and coastal entrepreneurship. We are going to develop fish farming, boat repairing and maintenance facilities along the coast.

"We have walked and seen the needs of the people."

Dowlath said Skinner Park had been destroyed but now must be re-engineered so as to attract international sports games. He also proposed a cultural arts centre for the constituency.

Dowlath envisioned the coast having boat tours, water sports, water skiing, kayaking and dragon boat racing.

"San Fernando will be alive again. It is time for a real rep. The present MP has had his time. He has failed. He will come again with his fancy words and broken promises."

Dowlath urged listeners to vote UNC on election day, April 28.

Former UNC minister Sadiq Baksh mounted the platform earlier in the night to endorse Dowlath.

He also called on party supporters to mobilise ahead of the April 28 general election.

"I ask everyone to recognise that this victory must begin with 'Me' and I recommend to all of us, to all of us everywhere, in all 39 constituencies to begin your own campaign from wherever you are, ask all your friends and family to call out other friend and family to make sure that we make the United National Congress the government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago," Baksh said.