If independent candidate Jowelle De Souza gets a chance to represent the people of San Fernando West, her priority will be to build the promised waterfront project.
De Souza, who juggles a successful hair salon, a non-profit stray animal sanctuary and several other charitable initiatives, has already approached international investors from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, to get the project started.
In an interview on Wednesday, De Souza said she decided to enter politics because the state of the city was a shame to any San Fernandian.
“San Fernando is dying. Nobody wants to come here to shop. The city is over crowded and grimy. It is depressing and too many people are suffering because of traffic congestion and the poor governance in this country,” De Souza said.
When the waterfront project was completed, De Souza added, duty free shops could be set up to boost local and regional tourism.
She said the business initiative would provide local employment opportunities for fishermen, craftsmen, tour guides, business entrepreneurs and food handlers.
Even though the waterfront project was touted more than 30 years ago, De Souza said successive governments had failed to execute the plan.
“This was one of the reasons I decided to contest,” De Souza said, adding: “The other reason is because I recognise the need to have independent voices in Parliament.”
Saying T&T must get away from tribal voting, De Souza said people must begin to vote on issues rather than engage in partisan politics. She believes San Fernando West has a diverse well-educated citizenry that would embrace that paradigm shift.
“I foresee a time when we will get away from tribal voting and when people will focus on the country rather than on themselves,” De Souza added.
She said in the years after independence, the House of Representatives had independent voices.
De Souza said her sexual orientation and skin colour would not work against her as she tried to garner votes for the 2015 election.
“People know me. I have lived and worked in San Fernando and people understand my passion to make the city a better place,” De Souza said.
She explained that even though some denominational leaders have expressed disapproval for her decision to run for office, she was confident she had the support of most religious leaders in the city.
“Some of those who criticised me are hypocrites and they know this. When I get into office I plan to fulfil all my promises. I have never failed at anything and I don’t plan to start now,” De Souza said.