Caption: UNC’s Chaguanas West candidate Dr Neil Gosine greets former West Indies T20 opener Evin Lewis during a practice session with Bess Motors Marchin Patriots Cricket team

ALTHOUGH he’s not from the constituency of Chaguanas West, the United National Congress (UNC) candidate for the April 28 general elections, Dr Neil Gosine says he’s here to serve the people.

AZP News caught up with him during a walkabout in Caroni recently and asked him his thoughts on some within the party saying that he was imposed on the constituency by the leadership of the party.

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Dr  Gosine replied: “I understand those concerns, and I don’t take them lightly. But let me be clear—I’m not here to impose anything on anyone.

“I’m here to serve. I’ve started to spend considerable time listening to residents, walking through communities, and learning about their real needs.

“I may not have grown up in Chaguanas West, but I am fully committed to it. This isn’t about where I came from—it’s about where we can go together.

“My focus is on building trust, delivering results, and earning the people’s confidence every step of the way.”

Dr  Gosine is the general manager of Comprehensive Insurance Brokers Limited and holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master’s in Business Administration MBA, a BSc in Mathematics and a BA in Administrative Studies. He was also chairman of the National Petroleum Marketing Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NP) during the People’s Partnership government. Gosine has been a temporary opposition senator in the last parliament and was also a treasurer of the UNC.

So why would a successful businessman want to enter into electoral politics?

Dr Gosine said, “As a businessman, I’ve always believed in creating opportunities, solving problems, and delivering results. After years of contributing to the economy and helping others succeed, I felt it was time to take that same drive and commitment to public service.

“I’ve always been involved with the community, and I have been a member of the UNC for over 30 years. I have seen firsthand how inefficient governance can stifle progress. I want to bring a results-oriented, accountable approach to politics—where the people come first, and development is not just talked about but actually delivered.”

“The UNC’s vision for Trinidad and Tobago aligns closely with my own values, my Leader Kamla persad Bissessar is the best leader for our time a caring leader and a servant of the people. I believe in equity, opportunity, and people-centered development. This is a party that has always fought for the underrepresented, championed education, and invested in communities. Under the leadership of Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the UNC remains the only real alternative that has proven it can govern effectively and deliver for the people. I’m proud to stand with a party that’s serious about change and committed to progress.”

What are some of the issues he has encountered in Chaguanas West?

Dr Gosine said, “The people of Chaguanas West are hardworking and resilient, but they’ve been let down by years of neglect.

“I’ve seen poor infrastructure, unreliable water supply, drainage problems, lack of support for small businesses, forex issues and serious concerns around safety and job opportunities.

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“Many young people feel hopeless, and our elderly feel forgotten. These issues are not new, but they’ve gone unaddressed for far too long—and that needs to change.”

Gosine’s plans for Chaguanas West?

“My plans are to built on three pillars: people, progress, and prosperity.

“That includes immediate work on improving roads and drainage working closely with Mayor Faaiq Mohammed and the councillors, addressing the water supply issues, and pushing for increased police presence to deal with rising crime. I also want to introduce job training and entrepreneurship programmes, particularly for youth and single mothers.

“For our seniors, I’ll advocate for mobile healthcare services and better access to social support. This isn’t just about promises—it’s about real, measurable change. I have the experience, the network, and the drive to make it happen.”