SAN FERNANDO WEST
A Decade of Transformation, a Future of Endless Possibilities.
More Action, Less Talk
Under my stewardship, San Fernando West (SFW) has been transformed. I have worked continuously to (i) eradicate poverty and squatting and to improve the decency of living standards amongst the most vulnerable (ii) cause urban regeneration and the improvement of the economy of SFW (iii) expand housing and security of tenure and (iv) ensure the delivery of services under my command.
Compare this to the UNC’s 2010–2015 tenure, when SFW was ignored and left behind. While other regions advanced, this one stood still. No housing. No economic foundation. No infrastructure. The truth is clear: nothing was done. Not a blade of grass was cut to better the life of a squatter or to put people in affordable housing let alone to cause economic development. Not a single initiative was even whispered to uplift our people.
I saw the struggles up close and made it my mission to act. As MP for SFW I immediately embarked on a developmental agenda; as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs for 7 years and as Minister of Rural Development and Local Government for 3 years I discharged my Ministerial duties for the betterment of the nation. I broke records in passing over 600 laws - fighting the scourge of corruption, the rise in criminality, the international requirements to fight terrorism and its financing. I successfully removed T&T from international black-listing by the Financial Action Task Force. I focused on laws to stop violence against women and children and radically transformed the broken administration of justice system by the creation of new divisions of court, new rules of court, increased tenure for the judiciary, the expansion of protection for judicial officers, the digitization of the legal system, not to mention- delivering all legislative and administrative relief for the COVID 19 pandemic, digitizing legal services and facilitating the ease of doing business including in the motor and traffic arena.
In pursuance of a developmental agenda for SFW I enforced on all the diverse categories of needs. Through the Housing Village Improvement Program (HVIP) we delivered squatters out of ‘invisibility’ and devastating poverty by providing brand new starter homes together with title to the properties constructed at no cost to the recipient. The delivery of a home created jobs for local contractors and workers. More jobs meant more families earning, more children in school and real hope for many. Through urban development and economic revitalization delivered by the Waterfront Development SFW was guaranteed more housing, more commerce, more entertainment and international class development to be envied by all. This guarantees thousands of jobs during construction and after delivery. Through the delivery of services the needs of constituents have been targeted and addressed, inclusive of an aggressive housing development program, so the needs of thousands who demand housing shall be addressed.
This brochure will capture works done, projects delivered, and plans brought to life. It traces where we were, where we are, and where we’re going in the next term.
We delivered. We built. We transformed. We are FAR from finished.
Who We Are
San Fernando West (SFW) comprises 25,374 registered voters spread across:
1. thousands living in 11 HDC communities
2. thousands living in squatting communities
3. thousands living in the city centre of SFW
4. thousands living in wealthy residential communities
We arguably have the best performance in education nationally, a well developed healthcare network and are historically rooted to southern oil and gas production. Notwithstanding our attributes we have lived and fought unemployment and working poverty while striving for sustainable development to improve lives.
Where We Were
In the period 2010 to 2015 the UNC spent close to $400 billion without investing a single cent in SFW. Not a single blade of grass was cut to make way for development. Absolutely no infrastructural developments occurred. Decay and ruin was SFW’s portion. Not a word was whispered and not a page was printed to propose a single policy for the betterment of SFW.
Skinner Park- NEGLECTED
Abattoir- San Fernando Fishing Facility- Over 100 years old
Typical Squatter Housing
Developmental Achievements for SFW HVIP Housing Development
The Elimination of poverty and uplifting of communities
For too long, squatters were stuck in invisibility—no legal right to the land they lived on, no access to bank loans or financing using their property and no way to pass down anything to their children. I knew we had to do more than just talk about the problem, we needed REAL solutions and Targeted ACTION.
BEFORE
Through this program, hundreds of families were able to move from inhumane living conditions into brand new government built concrete structures delivered for FREE to the recipient, at a value between $200,000 - $250,000 per home. Completely transforming the communities in which they were built. Most importantly, HVIP recipients received proper legal title to their land providing the pride of home ownership for the first time.
But this program was never just about houses. It was about breaking cycles. When people move out of squatting and into secure housing, they have stable homes, crime goes down, communities feel safer, and opportunities open up. High-risk areas that were once ignored have been transformed
into proper neighborhoods where families can live without fear. This program didn’t just improve homes —it improved lives.
The difference HVIP has made isn’t just in reports — it’s in the streets, in the faces of families who finally have a front door they can open with pride. Where there were once shacks with leaky roofs and dirt floors, there are now strong, well-built homes with proper addresses. Families that once had no bank accounts or access to loans now have real assets upon which they can build their futures for generations to come.
Embacardere
Bay Shore
Navet
Latrine Eradication
The Addition of Basic Human Dignity
Alongside the HVIP program we insisted on the elimination of latrines commonly mistakenly believed by many to no longer exist. This program allows for the installation of toilet and bath facilities with sewer systems to finally eliminate the psychology of inequality. This eradication program has delivered hundreds of families into modernity.
It is hard to communicate the sentiments that HVIP homeowners express when they testify to knowing that they can finally sleep peacefully knowing that their families won’t be evicted, how children feel in a safe place to flourish, how it feels to belong to the class of home owners. This is what progress looks and feels like. This is the future we’re building together and “we’re far from finished”. SFW-Bayshore
HVIP Housing Development
Urban Regeneration and Economic Development
San Fernando Waterfront Development
The SFW waterfront development has been the subject of old talk for 40 years. It has been my privilege to lead the anchoring of economic revitalization and urban transformation by delivering the SFW waterfront project. What was once a neglected crime ridden area with abandoned buildings located in a squatting settlement has now become the anchor for a thriving economic zone which will deliver thousands of jobs, spread between construction and operation. The SFW waterfront comprises 35 anchor projects which when fully delivered will completely transform SFW’s economic and social fortunes. Highlights of economic anchors will include a marina, hotels, conference centers, commercial development, entertainment hubs and housing. Some of the elements of this project are set out below:
• The upgrade of infrastructure, making the waterfront safer, more accessible, and pedestrian- friendly.
• Enhanced public spaces that encourage leisure, tourism, and community engagement.
• Much needed housing
• The facilitation of the diversification of the economy
SFW has undergone an historic transformation, which I am proud to have led in making it happen.
Reclaiming, redeveloping and repurposing over 27 acres of land was no small task, but the vision was clear—turn this underutilized space into a hub for diversification, business, housing, tourism, community and economic growth and prosperity. Through this project, we will achieve:
• The creation of new US$ generating industry through the anchor of maritime facilities.
• The creation of commercial spaces, conference centers and hotels attracting businesses, trade and entrepreneurs to the area.
What was once abandoned and derelict real estate is destined to be a thriving urban hub, delivering housing, economic prosperity and diversification, the proof of which can be walked, seen and appreciated already. This change didn’t happen by accident, this involved 7 years of planning and approvals, including the arranging of financing whilst suffering nearly 4 years of debilitating shocks of the crash of oil prices and the Covid 19 pandemic.
Let’s take a look at some transformative projects— some of which have already been delivered, with others that are quickly on the way.
San Fernando Fishing Facility. Fishing is a cornerstone of our local economy, and the replacement of the 100 year old fishing and abattoir facility with the new multipurpose SFW fishing facility, featuring modernized docking stations, boat and engine repairs, net repair station, lockers, upgraded storage facilities, and modern infrastructure including a restaurant, This project forms a bay for all fisherfolk from Carli Bay to Bayshore and Otaheite which enhances the efficiency for fisherfolk and supports the seafood industry thereby promoting economic growth in the region.
San Fernando Waterfront Car Park. Access to the waterfront and the SFGH hospital should never be hindered by a lack of parking. The construction of the San Fernando Waterfront Car Park has anchored parking for the waterfront and hospital and alleviated congestion, providing much-needed parking for patients, staff, and visitors. This improvement has enhanced accessibility to medical services, ensuring a smoother experience for everyone seeking care. The SFWC has anchored parking for the waterfront and sets the stage for the dream come true as this anchor is essential to the essence of the waterfront.
Land Reclamation – 3.8 Hectares. For decades the talk of reclamation has been spun. Under the PNM Government we reclaimed land and yielded 5.3 – 6 Hectares of usable land forming the anchor site for innovation. We have created the space for economic investment, which will incorporate a marina and maritime services, hotels and conference centers, commercial development, residential development and entertainment sites. This will provide allow the private sector major development through the Government expenditure in infrastructural works yielding a countless number of jobs which anchors the economic diversification of SFW.
New Exercise and Customs Facility – In the new SFW Waterfront, Immigration, Customs and Excise comprise essential services. Accordingly, we have delivered a new customs and exercise facility which anchors law enforcement and security. This facility also incorporates a dedicated space for training and physical fitness thereby enhancing preparedness and promotion of well-being alongside the provision of both national security and community health.
Lady Hailes Road Widening and Walk Over. As our city grows, so must our infrastructure. The widening of Lady Hailes Road has laid the foundation of roadway access to the Waterfront and has improved traffic flow and enhanced connectivity, making daily commutes safer and more efficient. A waterfront cannot be realoised without major
infrastructural works on roads and services which have in fact been built. This development also incorporated the construction of a pedestrian walkover which has provided a secure crossing point, ensuring that residents can move through the area safely.
Hatters Pan Yard Redevelopment. Our culture is our heartbeat, and Hatters Pan Yard stands as a beacon of our musical heritage. By enhancing its facilities, we’re not just upgrading a space; we’re preserving a tradition that has shaped our identity. The redevelopment ensures that future generations have a place to celebrate and refine their artistic excellence, keeping our steelpan legacy alive and thriving.
“Tell dem people open de gate, open de gate, open de gateI just can’t wait!
San Fernando have de tempo!” - Calypso Rose
DELIVERED
The Redevelopment of WASA Water Treatment Facility. The Redevelopment of WASA Water Treatment Facility Sustainable development is key to a thriving city. With the introduction of the large-scale housing and commercial enterprise at the SFW Waterfront it was imperative to upgrade Wastewater and Wasa facilities in SFW. Accordingly, several hundred millions were invested in improving WASA’s Waste Management infrastructure while ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment for residents. Ensuring the promotion of eco friendly waste disposal systems and the use of treated water in citywide irrigation systems.
I’ve witnessed firsthand how SFW has evolved from a neglected urban landscape into a beacon of progress. I’m proud to say that through our collective efforts, this community now thrives— drawing in businesses, creating jobs, and uplifting the lives of thousands of residents. As our city continues to grow and flourish, I believe that the strong foundation we’ve built through strategic economic initiatives will nurture future generations. My commitment to revitalizing SFW through economic development and urban renewal is a heartfelt testament to the power of bold, progressive leadership and the belief that every community deserves a chance to shine.
We are FAR from Finished!
Construction Started.
The Provision of Housing through HDC and Private Development
There is a deafening cry by nearly all the citizens of SFW for the delivery of housing, this delivery crosses all economic brackets. As MP for SFW we have fashioned housing solutions through the use of both public and private housing development. The HDC will deliver hundreds of affordable houses to thousands of persons and the private sector will anchor the investment into landmark housing developments. The project sites include:
• Carlton Lane
• PTSC Yard at the SFW Waterfront
• Rushworth Street Extension at the SFW Waterfront
• Ministry of Works and Transport site at the SFW Waterfront
• The Purcell street site
Which will be built alongside hundreds of HVIP homes at Bayshore, Hatters, Embacadere, Navet and Upper and Lower Hillside interspersed in the city of San Fernando. It is proposed that the San Fernando City Corporation site at Carib Street be redeveloped into multi-story affordable housing.
PTSC Yard— PPP Lady Hailes by the Sea
Purcell Street
Rushworth Street Ext. Ministry of Works Old Site for HDC Housing
3.8 hectares Land Reclamation for Hotel Accomodation
Carlton Lane
• Lady Hailes Development. This mixed-use development, represents part of Phase one (1) works for the San Fernando Waterfront Redevelopment Project and will be executed utilizing a Public Private Partnership arrangement.
Renovation works completed on the following HDC Communities;
• Embarcadere
• Ramsaran Street
• Bronx
• Laurence Street
• Medine Street
• Roy Joseph
• Cooper Street
• Olera Heights
• Rushworth Street
• Carlton Lane
Major works are going to be undertaken at these communities and will involve addressing the infrastructural and service upgrades to these aged communities which have not been adequately undertaken over the years when money was scarce due to the collapse of oil prices, the Covid 19 pandemic, and whilst money was applied for the eradication of squatting and the infrastructural development of the SFW development.
Lady Hailes Development (Site cleared ready for construction)
Lady Hailes Development Render
Other Impactful Projects
San Fernando Family Court. I championed the establishment of a brand new Family Court in San Fernando ensuring that thousands of sensitive and special cases are dealt with in the city of San Fernando and not sent to Port of Spain and elsewhere. This will ensure that our judicial system is strengthened and that the city of San Fernando receives a dedicated space for its legal community to ensure the handling of family related legal matters, domestic violence protection courts, in which disputes, custody cases and protection of the most vulnerable are heard and resolved efficiently in a modern and specially built environment.
Court Rennovations ongoing
DELIVERED
DELIVERED
Supreme Court Renovations. The ongoing Supreme Court renovations will modernize the plant and machinery of SF High Court, thereby providing a place for justice with improved facilities for legal professionals, court staff and the public. These upgrades will ensure that San Fernando’s judicial system operates at the highest standards.
Magistrates Court Renovation. the Magistrate’s Court at Irving Street is being redesigned and also improves the plant and machinery of the judiciary and aids in the targeting of the delivery of justice.
San Fernando North Community Center. Community centers play a vital role in social development, and the new San Fernando North Community Center is no exception. This anchor community center was left abandoned and completely overrun with vines and vermin by the UNC for 5 years. As MP I ensured its completion and witnessed the opening of a state of the art community center which provides residents with a space for cultural events, educational programs and community activities fostering togetherness and lifelong learning.
Cipero River Widening. Flood mitigation is crucial for protecting homes and businesses, and the Cipero River widening project addresses this longstanding challenge. By increasing the river’s capacity, we have significantly reduced the risk of flooding, safeguarding properties and improving drainage in surrounding communities which have in the past suffered damage through negligence.
Reshaping Our Recreational Facilities
Cowie Warner Park Redevelopment. Every great community needs green spaces where families can gather, children can play, and residents can connect. That’s why the redevelopment of Cowie Warner Park was so important. This revitalized space is now a hub for recreation and community engagement, offering a safe and welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy.
This project is serving as a blueprint for our future sites for development which include;
• Hasely Dick Rogers Park
• Irvin Park
• All play parks in our HDC communities
The Record Speaks For Itself
Minister of Rural Development and Local Government for the past 3 years
Having drafted the local reform package as AG I was entrusted with the responsibility of operationalizing it. The ministry of RDLG employs approximately 33,000 people across 14 Municipalities, yet people complain bitterly as to lack of performance and failure to achieve value for money. Accordingly, I have championed the change management of:
• The MoRDLG through the employment of hundreds of change agents,
• The digitization of all services
• The introduction of local economic development
• The improvement of revenue generation
• The improvement of disaster management
• The improvement of municipal policing
• RDC and CEPEP improved administration
Launch of the Local TT app
Economic Empowerment & Innovation in HDC Communities
• I’ve championed economic development in HDc communities through several innovative initiatives:
- The Vertical Hydroponics Programme: which has trained 5,000 participants and established over 500 small farms, boosting crop yields by 20%.
- Mulching Initiatives: Promoted eco-friendly farming by improving soil quality and reducing costs.
• We have delivered LED Booths: Deployed 120+ booths offering business support to over 300,000 entrepreneurs, increasing local economic activity by up to 20%.
Local Government Reform – Plant, People, Processes
• I led a comprehensive modernization of local government by focusing on:
- Plant & Machinery: Upgraded infrastructure for better asset use.
- People: Invested in training to strengthen service delivery.
- Processes: Streamlined workflows, cutting administrative processing time by 40%.
Security & Emergency Preparedness
• Rolled out the “Eyes Everywhere” camera initiative, contributing to a 15% drop in crime.
• Doubled CERT volunteers to 5,000, enhancing emergency response.
• Expanded the municipal police force by 25%, adding 600 officers and improving community policing.
Welcoming ceremony for the Municipal Police Constable Induction Training Programme Batch 1/2024
Training seminar for Change Agents from all 14 Municipal Corporations. This seminar was a pivotal step towards transforming our Local Government landscape. — 5th June, 2023
Tech & Digital Transformation
• Spearheaded the internationally award winning Local TT app with 500,000 monthly users for public services and engagement capable of providing public complaints via the platform to be tracked and solved by the teams assembled to operate Local TT.
• Modernized fleet management, cutting fuel use by 10% and maintenance costs by 20%.
• Local TT received IDB 2024 Presidents Award For Service Excellence
• Local TT has been selected by the WSA Grand Jury among 180 participating UN member states as one of the Worlds Best Digital Content Solutions Contributing to the UN SGDs in the category Government and Civic Engagement.
Financial Leadership & Partnerships
• Increased regional corporation funding by 50%, from $50M to $75M, supporting infrastructure and community projects.
• Forged impactful public-private partnerships, ensuring efficient, sustainable development.
In the implementation of reform I have set out below;
• Invested $30M+ in green and sustainable urban/ rural development.
• Created vocational training hubs in 50 communities, upskilling 10,000 residents.
• Built an integrated emergency response system, reducing crisis response times by 30%.
• Pioneered smart city and data-driven governance models to elevate public service delivery.
P.r.A.I.S.E Award
COVID-19 Respone
Standing strong in uncertain times
The Covid 19 pandemic represented an unprecedented disaster for TNT and the world. As the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs I was entrusted with the task of developing unprecedented laws and measures to save lives and livelihoods in Trinidad and Tobago. I drafted amendments to umpteen laws, I amended the public health regulations, the state of emergency laws and defended against countless attacks brought by the UNC to cripple relieves crafted.
I engaged with the national community almost on a daily basis in a team effort to save T&T. In my constituency I delivered:
• Thousands of hampers
• Thousands of food baskets
• Thousands of rental relief grants
• Thousands of sanitation supply packages
• Thousands of face masks
• I orchestrated thousands of mass vaccinations site for persons
• I negotiated loan financing for the COVID 19 pandemic relief
• I negotiated legal arrangements with international bodies and agencies
• I ensured that all persons in the public sector kept their jobs
• I designed laws to allow for the continuation of the judicial system and essential services
The last time there was a global pandemic was the Spanish Flu in the 1920s. The management of COVID consumed three years of the last term, decimating the economy, arresting economic development and retarding T&T’s progress - all of which is largely forgotten today. During these difficult times I kept my eyes on the mission of delivering squatters out of poverty, causing economic and urban development, causing the delivery of housing for the many and focusing on delivery to my constituency.
Serving as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs for 7 years
I entered the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago in June 2010 as an Opposition Senator and engaged in robust legislative work and contribution to a number of landmark pieces of legislation keeping the UNC in check in their betrayal of the country in matters including the s34 scandal.
I held the office of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, having been appointed to that position on 9th September 2015 and then re-appointed to that position on 20th August 2020. I ceased holding that office on the 16th March, 2022.
The record will demonstrate that I have served as one of the longest serving Attorneys General in the history of Trinidad and Tobago and that the extent of management and reform that I have managed, was aggressively developed, fashioned and implemented.
Transformational Legal Reforms: A Legacy of Impact— Over 600 Pieces of Law Enacted
• Directly Improved Lives in San Fernando West and Beyond
• Enhanced the criminal, civil, family, and children’s justice systems.
• Introduced measures that have increased efficiency, reduced case backlogs, and improved access to justice.
Judicial System Modernization
Comprehensive Court System Reforms:
• Creation of the Criminal Division, District
Criminal and Traffic Courts, the Family and Children Division & the Civil Division, the Civil Proceedings Rules, the Criminal Proceedings Rules, the Family Proceedings Rules the Children Rules etc:
- Set up the Drug Treatment Court and Peer Resolutions System to address substance abuse and Child protection.
• Judicial Capacity Expansion and Protection:
- Increased the number of Judges from 36 to 64 in the High Court and from 12-15 Judges in the Court of Appeal.
- Raised the judicial retirement age from 65 to 70.
- Expanded court masters from 2 to 25 to improve case management.
- Introduced Judicial Support Officers across the entire system.
- Greater protection for Magistrates
• Legislative reform for the TTPS and Protective Services to ensure prosecutorial reform.
• Efficiency Initiatives:
- Diverted over 104,000 Motor Vehicle Traffic cases into fixed penalties and contest matters.
- Introduced a Demerit Point System that contributed to a 56-year low in road traffic deaths.
- Digitized court systems: Enabled online court appearances. Transitioned from paper-based to full digital filings.
· Reduced the backlog of court transcripts.
- Reformed plea bargaining.
- Broadened the use of Maximum Sentence hearings.
· Established new courts, including brand-new civil courts at the waterfront, the dedication of the Hall of Justice in POS as an exclusive criminal court, the creation of the specialist courts at the prisons, the Family Court in SFW at the Cluny etc.
Protection of the Vulnerable
• Landmark Legislation for Women and Children:
- Abolished child marriage.
- Strengthened the Domestic Violence Act to better protect victims.
• Support Systems for Justice:
- Introduced the Public Defenders System to ensure equitable legal representation.
- Expanded Legal Aid.
- Implemented specialist courts, such as those for human trafficking, ensuring quicker, specialized resolutions.
• Economic & Financial Reforms
- Restoring International Credibility:
- Led the removal of Trinidad and Tobago from international blacklists by: Chairing the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). Successfully defending the nation during the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Mutual Evaluation (2020) and causing T&T to come off the FATF Black List.
Causing FATCA US compliance for US banking.
• Anti-Corruption and “Follow the Money” Laws:
- Enacted Civil Asset Recovery and ExplainYour-Wealth laws.
- Demonetized the $100 bill to prevent illicit financial flows.
- Digitized the Companies Act and filing systems to enhance transparency.
- Implemented Beneficial Ownership and Real Estate Agent Laws to curb hidden illicit gains.
- Introduced Whistleblower Protection Laws to safeguard integrity and accountability.
- Crafted the Gaming laws
- The Real Estate Agents Laws
- The package of Land Laws etc.
National Security & Anti-Money Laudnerings and Anti-Terrorism
• Led international and domestic initiatives in Anti-Terrorism and Anti Terrorism Financing, Proliferation of Financing and Economic Sanctions laws.
• Implemented hard-hitting anti crime legislation, including amendments to the AntiGang Act, Bail Act, Firearms Act, Interception of Communications Act, and the Trespass Act.
• Engaged in continuous legal reform to enhance mutual legal assistance and international cooperation against terrorism.
• Engaged in continuous reform of the Proceeds of Crime Act and Anti Corruption Laws
• Engaged in Continuous reform of financial laws including the Central Bank Act, the Securities Law, the Insurance Act, the Financial Laws of T&T.
Crisis Leadership & COVID-19 Legislation
• Effective Emergency Response:
- Developed and passed all essential COVID-19 laws, which were upheld as sound by the Privy Council in the landmark Suraj Case.
- Ensured rapid adaptation of legislation during the pandemic while withstanding intense political scrutiny.
Overcoming Systemic Challenges
• Inherited Inefficiencies and Corruption:
- Addressed pervasive issues in a largely archaic, paper-based judicial system plagued by fraud and corruption.
A Legacy of Bold Leadership
• Strategic and Operational Reforms:
- Integrated legislative reform with process improvements—merging policy with technology and operational overhauls.
- Focused on targeted reforms to benefit vulnerable groups and restore Trinidad and Tobago’s national reputation.
No other AG in the history of Trinidad and Tobago has accomplished the reforms that I pursued. Each step of these reforms was driven by a commitment to fairness, transparency, and modernization. By implementing a comprehensive legal and operational strategy, we have not only modernized our justice system but also restored public trust and enhanced Trinidad and Tobago’s standing on the international stage.
The Evidence (Amendment) Bill was passed unanimously in the House with 40 Members. — February 12, 2021
A Vision Rooted in Transformation
Summary of Promises Past and Future Plans
My commitment to the people of San Fernando West is unwavering. My vision for our future is one of opportunity, security, and prosperity—where every resident, from the working poor to the middle class and business elite, benefits from our ongoing progress. With a track record of bold reforms, urban transformation, and economic empowerment, I am determined to continue building a community where better opportunities, stronger neighborhoods, and a brighter future are not just aspirations but realities.
San Fernando West is more than a constituency—it is a beacon of transformation, a model of progress, and a city that will continue to rise under strong, dedicated leadership. Together, we will move forward into a future of promise and progress.
Promises Past
In 2020 I undertook to achieve 11 infrastructural projects – I achieved 10 out of the 11 with a 91% success record as below despite 3 years of economic decimation due to Covid 19 and with Oil and Gas pricing shocks.
1. Bayshore Housing – Done
2. Lady Hailes Widening and Coastal Protection Widening Done; Final Surfacing after WASA connection in gear – Coastal Works in progress
3. Carlton Lane Development – Done
4. Waterfront Reclamation – Done
5. San Fernando Fishing Facility – Done
6. Plaza San Carlos Restoration – In progress
7. San Fernando Family Court – Done; Handed over to Judiciary
8. Skinner Park Redevelopment – Done
9. San Fernando Hospital Car Park – Done
10. Embacadere Indoor Basketball Facility (Repurposed to Local Economic Booths) – Done
11. Chancery Lane Administrative Complex – Not Done as PPP to be rescoped due to Covid Delays and Escalations
The Future
Below listed are realistically achievable plans which I wish to carry out as the next MP for SFW.
There is opportunity everywhere wherever people live, gather, work and places through which they Commute. There is opportunity for economic and social development in:
• Delivering more people out of squatting and property through the HVIP exercise
- Continuation of Bayshore HVIP Development
- Completion of Hatters Housing HVIP Development
- Completion of Navet Jadoo Lane HVIP Housing
- Completion of Upper Hill Side HVIP Housing
• Building more affordable houses
- Completion of Rushworth Street Extension
Housing Development – Waterfront
- Completion of Ministry of Works Housing
Development – Waterfront
- Completion of Purcell Street Housing Development
- Completion of Church Street Housing Development
- San Fernando City Corporation Housing Development
• Community Centers
- Olera Heights Community Center
- Roy Jospeh Community Center
- La Romain Community Center
Render— Roy Joseph Community Centre
Render— La Romaine Community Centre
• Local Economic Booths at HDC Communities
- Olera Heights
- Roy Jospeh
- Embacadere
- The Bronx
- Ramsaran Street
• Urban Development and Economic Stimulation
- Redevelopment of High Street as a covered/ shaded LED Lit at night, urban center including façade refits, static Municipal Police Posts till 10pm close of shopping is seen in Europe
- Library Corner redevelopment – Times Square Look and Feel
- Harris Promenade redeveloped
- Mucarapo Street Redevelopment
- Mucarapo Street Market Redevelopment
- Cross Crossing Food Strip Redevelopment
- San Fernando General Hospital Public
Private Partnership Redevelopment –demolition of derelict and underutilized buildings at campus – redevelopment by suitable PPP model for medial, medical services users, accommodation, restaurant and ancillary facilities and spaces to serve thousands of users
• Continuation of Skinners Park Development
- Skinners Park Secondary Ground Parking
- Skinners Park Secondary Ground Swimming Pool
- Skinners Park Secondary Ground Facility
- Skinners Park to Cross Crossing Walk Over to allow parking and Access to Food Strip and Grounds
• Expansion of Judiciary
- Criminal Division of High Court at demolished Promenade Site
- Completion of Magistrates’/ District Court at Irving Street
• Police
- Restoration of TTPS Facility at Harris Promenade
- Upgrade of Municipal Police Academy
• Import Substitution and Agriculture
- Promoting urban and hydroponic agriculture everywhere including all HDC Communities and in Community Gardens
• Anti-Crime Initiatives
- Widening the CCTV system with – “Eyes Everywhere” by encouraging access top Private Cameras at Premises that only serve Road and Entry coverage
- Creating virtually gated communities by installation of Guard/ Police Posts with Cameras everywhere for safer communities
- Installing smart polls in all communites for alarm and communication systems
- Digitization of TTPS and TTMPS response call activation
• Parks and Grounds
- Development and Maintenance of School Grounds and Fields by Rural Development
- Redevelopment of community grounds using ‘Cowie Warner Park’ model
• Child and Community Development
- Building homework supervision centers in all communities
- Introduction of Social Volunteerism Program as SDG Goal at Schools
• The Environment and Improvements
- Closure of the San Fernando dump
- Installation of Recycling Plant to process material at dump.
- Introduction of Recycling System for City
- Improvement of Cemeteries
• Attractions
- Zipline at San Fernando Hill
- Construction of lookouts throughout the city where the view is beautiful – including at Romain Street and San Fernando Hill
• Continuation of Road and infrastructure development and improvement
• The Elderly and Vulnerable
- Improvement of Homes for our Elderly
- Improvement at the Center for Disabilities
- Establishment and operation of Center for Displaced
• Facilitating more Public Private Partnership to stimulate development
My commitment to the people of San Fernando West is at the heart of everything I do. I see our future as one filled with opportunity, security, and prosperity—a future where everyone, from the working poor to the middle class and even our business leaders, shares in our progress. With every bold reform, urban transformation, and initiative to empower our community, I strive to be the steadfast representative you deserve. My plans aren’t just about building structures; they’re about building a better life—creating opportunities, strengthening our neighborhoods, and lighting the way to a brighter tomorrow. San Fernando West is more than just a constituency to me—it’s a home of transformation, a symbol of progress, and a community that will continue to rise through our shared dedication and strong, caring leadership.
The Hon. Faris Al-Rawl S.C.
SAN FERNANDO WEST FARIS AL-RAWI SC
