INSPIRED by his late mother and the pressing issues facing Trincity/Maloney, 28-year-old Jamel Hunte has entered the race to represent the constituency, using "people-first politics" under the Patriotic Front (PF).
Hunte grew up in Maloney Gardens and now resides in Arouca, which has been under the representation of incumbent MP Camille Robinson-Regis since 2015.
Newsday spoke to the PF's candidate by WhatsApp on April 4, hours after he successfully filed his nomination papers.
He described himself as an approachable, real and caring person, who is goal-orientated.
"I’m passionate about people and grounded in the belief that leadership should be about service, not ego.
"My mission is to touch the hearts, impact the minds and ignite the spirits of those in the constituency."
Hunte said he decided to put himself forward as a candidate because of the numerous issues in the constituency that he believes he is capable of addressing.
"The four hot-burning issues the constituency is facing include crime and community safety, lack of jobs, lack of youth empowerment and the unavailability of consistent public utilities."
He said he has plans to address all four issues.
"I want to increase community policing, improve street lighting, and launch mentorship programmes for at-risk youth in the community. We also need to advocate for more grants and support for small businesses, plus expand skills training and vocational programmes.
"For youth empowerment, I want to implement real programmes in sports, music, and other areas that give our youth direction and opportunity. Our water supply, roads, internet, electricity, and other basic services must also work. I will hold these agencies accountable and push for sustainable, community-driven infrastructure solutions."
Hunte has certifications in business management, natural health and wellness, and legal compliance consultancy.
"Most of my education, however, has come through lived experience, building businesses from the ground up and navigating the complex realities our communities face."
Hunte, the CEO of Hunte’s Group and owner of Rejuvenate Wellness Spa, located in Arouca, said he has already helped many people through his companies.
"I’ve already created over 50 jobs; imagine what I can do with the right resources. For more than a decade, I’ve been building businesses that serve people, not just customers.
"I’ve created employment, offered mentorship, and supported other entrepreneurs. I’ve worked with faith-based and youth mentorship programmes and guided young men toward better choices and futures. This isn’t new for me; it’s just the next step in a journey of service."
When asked why he chose to enter politics, particularly with the Patriotic Front, he said his goals aligned with those of the party.
"The truth is, I didn’t enter politics to 'be a politician.' I entered because I’ve already been doing the work by creating jobs, mentoring the youth and solving real problems in the community.
"The PF represents the kind of grassroots, peo
