UNITED National Congress (UNC) candidate for San Fernando West, Dr Michael Dowlath, says the city is in crisis due to inadequate sanitation, public health issues, and the lack of resources within the San Fernando City Corporation.
Speaking at a Professional and Business Forum at Achievors Banquet Hall in San Fernando on Sunday, Dr Dowlath said since November 29 last year, his team has been walking through the city and has observed major shortcomings in basic services.
He said, “We found that sanitation, safety, and public health are major issues…When we looked around, we realised that one of the failings in San Fernando is the San Fernando City Corporation.”
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Dr Dowlath gave an example in Marabella where uncollected bulk waste had remained on the roadside for a long period that pumpkin vines had grown and began to bear.
“That is to tell you how long the waste has not been collected…There’s a crisis in the inner city, rodents, and in the peripheries, snails and mosquitoes.”
Dr Dowlath proposed that the city’s waste could instead be recycled or used to create mulch for schools and agricultural initiatives.
He also highlighted a failed hydroponics initiative at Rushworth Street that had been started by a group of young people but collapsed due to lack of ongoing support.
“When we say you need an MP, you need a team that is present and significant,” he told attendees.
From left are Jayanti Lutchmedial, Dr Michael Dowlath and Dr Lackram Bodoe. AZP News/Faith Edwards
Dr Dowlath also used the opportunity to launch his personal manifesto for San Fernando West.
He said all initiatives in the manifesto were aligned with national policies and had the approval of the UNC’s political leadership. The manifesto includes several plans to improve infrastructure, drainage, roads, health services, and promote marine entrepreneurship in the constituency.
Dr Dowlath said areas like Todd Street must be preserved as “safe zones” for schools and religious institutions, and again criticised the proposed Housing Development Corporation (HDC) housing project.
“Those are places of sanctuary where our young people go for them to be developed, the temples, the schools, spiritual, moral, to get their education… you cannot have all of these other institutions that will bring other activities, that are not congruent, with what schools are on,” he said.
Dr Dowlath reiterated that infrastructure was only part of the solution.
“This is about the people of San Fernando…We have to provide the kind of leadership for the rest of South and Central Trinidad.”
He said areas like Todd Street must be preserved as “safe zones” for schools and religious institutions, and criticized the proposed HDC housing project there.
“Those are places of sanctuary where our young people go for them to be developed, the temples, the schools, spiritual, moral, to get their education.. you cannot have all of these other institutions that will bring other activities, that are not congruent, with what schools are on,” he said.
Dowlath reiterated that infrastructure was only part of the solution.
“This is about the people of San Fernando.. We have to provide the kind of leadership for the rest of South and Central Trinidad.”
Businessman endorses Dowlath for education minister
Pharmacist and businessman Wazir Hosein endorsed Dr Dowlath not only as a candidate for San Fernando West but also as a future Minister of Education.
“I basically gave up on my country a few years ago. But when Michael Dowlath asked me to help him, I came back. There are few people who can get me to come out like that,” he said.
Wazir Hoesin
Hosein described Dr Dowlath as a passionate leader and recalled working with him on a committee at Naparima College where Dr Dowlath completed all 20 of the projects on their plan.
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“It wasn’t a fluke… He had a plan in Iere, he had a plan at Naparima, and he will have a plan nationally. I endorse Dr Michael Dowlath for San Fernando West, and I want to go further, I endorse him as the next Minister of Education in Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.
