FARIS AL RAWI VS. KAZIM HOSEIN

SAN Fernando West Member of Parliament Faris Al Rawi has become busy among constituents amid reports that ministerial colleague Kazim Hosein may replace him as the general election candidate.

But Hosein, who is Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries, is not involved in any activism over the forthcoming election.

Hosein, son of a former Mayor of San Fernando, lives in the country’s second city, is active in the Islamic community and is generally well liked by constituents.

Two-time elected Al Rawi has been on a downward political slide since his shocking removal as Attorney General in March 2022, and appointment to the fringe Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.

Since then, he has faded from the political limelight and his influence along the corridors of power is reportedly declining.

A further blow to his image was the victory by the United National Congress (UNC) in four of the nine San Fernando constituencies in last year’s local government election.

The most stunning defeat for the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) and Al Rawi was in Marabella West, which includes the working-class former train line.

UNC newcomer John Michael Alibocus beat Jameela Marryshaw, daughter of a former constituency representative, Jennifer Marryshaw.

Al Rawi had cultivated his political support in that district.

But several residents rebelled against the PNM over the lack of jobs and opportunities for upward mobility.

Al Rawi has lately increased his presence in that and other communities in the constituency.

PNM campaigners have reportedly been offering short-term jobs on various Government projects, including the $12 million facelift of San Fernando General Hospital.

Refurbishment works include roof replacement, repainting, beautification and modernisation.

Pre-election jobs would also be available at the San Fernando Foreshore and other projects, according to informed sources.

But there is disenchantment among San Fernando West constituents over crime, floods, bad roads, floods in certain areas, and general decline.

Many in the business community said that a combination of negative factors has contributed to a deterioration in industry and commerce.

In 2019, Al Rawi’s ministerial colleague Allyson West described San Fernando as “a shanty town.”

One constituent said: “Al Rawi has not delivered to us and he is diminished in our eyes.

“He never followed up his talk with action.”

Some San Fernandians said that while Hosein does not have Al Rawi’s flair, he could emerge as an effective representative.

The constituent feels that UNC could win the seat if the party selects “an appropriate candidate.”

While he was Attorney General, Al Rawi had reportedly sought to position himself as a possible successor to 75-yerar-old Rowley as political leader of the PNM.

Al Rawi is no longer in Rowley’s inner circle, sources said.

The Elections and Boundaries Commission recently switched two polling divisions from San Fernando East to San Fernando West.

Analysts feel the move will strengthen the PNM in San Fernando West.

Al Rawi’s mother Diane Seukeran is a former San Fernando West Member of Parliament.