THE two warring factions within the United National Congress (UNC) are courting wealthy Chaguanas hardware dealer Reeza Abass Ali.

But the astute Charlieville businessman has told TnT Mirror he will not be bought by either camp.

Ali was one of several persons recently approached by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar to become a senator following the recent removal of Senators Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan and Sadiq Baksh.

He said he turned down the offer.

Dr Shastri Moonan, an attorney-at-law and Razia Ahmed, an insurance executive were sworn in during last Tuesday’s sitting of the Senate.

Ali, said to be very close to UNC’s Political Leader Winston Dookeran, was one of several wealthy businessmen and other well-known persons who turned up at a well-attended fund-raiser at Kampo’s Restaurant, Chaguanas last Saturday.

HARRY
RAMSINGH

Dr. AUSTIN
TRINDADE

The fund-raiser was organised by “The Friends of Winston Dookeran”.

Ali confirmed his presence at the function, and told Mirror that as a conscientious citizen and a Muslim, he responded to the invitation of the organisers.

He said he is very concerned about the state of the country, especially the youths.

“I love my country and I’m very concerned at this time.”

Sources, however, told Mirror that eyes in both UNC camps have been fixed on Ali as a financier.

“Each has him lined up to bankroll them into power in the upcoming general election,” this paper was told.

“He’s filthy rich and that’s the reason all eyes are fixed on him.

“It’s why Opposition Leader Kamla asked him to become senator, but he turned them down.

The source further pointed out: “Ali has always been close to Winston Dookeran, so the camp is sure he’s on their side.”

Among some well-known names in attendance at the fund-raiser were Point Lisas based steel businessman Harry Ramsingh; Dr. Austin Trindade, San Fernandi General Hospital Medical Chief of Staff; Dr. Vinood Mooneram; and cricket officials Alloy Lequay and Baldath Mahabir.