Newly-appointed Opposition Senator Saddam Hosein is promising to make a difference in the Senate when he delivers his maiden contribution during the 2017/2018 budget debate. He wants to help reform the criminal justice system, reduce crime and be a voice for the youth.
The 26-year-old attorney, who was named after former Iraq president Saddam Hussein by his 66-year old grandmother, admitted that people react to his name with shock.
“The name is just a label. It is really the personality that comes with the character,” he said during a brief interview.
He said he knows the name creates fear in the minds of many, but he has no intention of creating uneasiness in the Senate. He promised to deliver contributions that are well-researched and comprehensive.
Hosein, along with UNC PRO Anita Haynes and business graduate Taharqa Obika, were sworn in as UNC Senators at the start of the Third Session of the 11th Parliament on Friday. The trio replaced Danny Solomon, Wayne Sturge and Rodger Samuel.
Hosein thanked UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for selecting him and promised to put his best foot forward when he delivers his contribution.
An attorney, Hosein gave up his job at the Director of Public Prosecutions office to enter politics, a moved which surprised his family, although they support him. He said the decision was not difficult.
“It was me now serving country in a different capacity. I want to make more contributions regarding crime and how we can fix the criminal justice in T&T,” he said.
Haynes, 30, said it is a tremendous opportunity to serve the people of T&T.
“I am excited but I am also aware of the responsibility that comes with it. I hope to bring a fresh prospective,” she said.
A supporter of the UNC since 2010, Obika, 34, who recently became a member of the party, aims to get politics back to the centre of the people.
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Wade Mark said the new UNC senators will be given all the necessary support, inspiration and motivation to perform and excel in their duties. He said Solomon and Sturge remain UNC members and showed no animosity towards the party, while Samuel continues to be a COP member.