It is the most controversial time of his political career, but he has gone against the odds, and wishes of his family, throwing his hat back into the political ring to contest the Diego Martin West seat, for the People's National Movement (PNM). Apart from the cordial handshake he and Prime Minister Patrick Manning greeted each other with on the political platform, they have not yet sat down to iron out their differences.
Despite the strained relationship which was evident during his campaign launch on Thursday, Rowley refused to go to war, and instead trained his guns on the Opposition coalition. So why, after serving the party for the past 23 years, Rowley has opted to stay aboard rather than jump ship? Taking time off from his hectic campaign last week, Rowley, in a candid and exclusive interview with Sunday Guardian at his Goodwood Park, Glencoe, home, said the turning of the tide was a rough ride.
"We have not had a one-on-one discussion as yet. The last time I had that type of discussion with the PM was the day I was fired from the Cabinet. "Whatever the differences are, I want to make it abundantly clear that I acknowledge him as the leader of the party of which I am a member and office holder, even if I disagree vigorously with some of the things he is defending or has defended.
"I am doing so in the context that it is not him, but the policy and action that require to be adjusted. All my disagreements, public and private, have been respectful," an outspoken Rowley said. And what is the relationship between him and his colleagues? "I consider myself a manager. A good manager is required to work with people of all temperaments; from the sneaky to the open. "I have a good relationship with my colleagues, some closer than others, but a bond develops between you and the people you are working with in an organisation.
"There are times when challenging situations develop, and some of the younger people do not know how to treat with it. "I think it is unfortunate that our last batch of young candidates, many of whom started to hold ministerial portfolios through no fault of theirs, ended up in a climate which existed in recent times. It is very unfortunate for them."
Nothing special about Calder Hart
As he spoke of the events that unfolded during his political career the last two years, hurt was visible on his countenance. "Contrary to how some people see it, the friction between myself and the leader of the PNM is not really a Rowley-Manning thing. It is how public business is conducted and from that standpoint, one cannot substitute affection for principles. "There were instances when I was personally attacked. Unfortunately, we could have had our differences with respect to public business and not resort to personal attacks. "It is not about the healing issue, but whether public policy will see adjustments, changes, and improvements, or will there be a maintenance of the status quo.
"Let me make this clear. There is nothing special about Calder Hart. If it was not Hart it would have been anybody else. This is where the country should focus; how this happened, could it happen again? "Who is to be held accountable? If we spend all this time on revenge and focus on Hart, we will lose sight of the real problem which created the Hart phenomenon. "He was a simple public official conducting public business. The issue is how was it allowed to go this way."
It hurts
The teary-eyed faces of his wife Sharon and their two daughters Tonya, 23, and Sonel, 21, has left him heartbroken, pondering on numerous occasions if his political career is really worth it. It has left him to make some of the most difficult decisions any husband or father has to make. "It hurts. The last few years, especially, have been very difficult. I have had to face down attempts to portray me as unpleasant.
"I have been in public life for a long time and in politics. I am not thin-skinned. I know that in this environment there are people who are passionately for and against you. "The job requires that you deal with all of them with a certain amount of acceptance and responsibility for your affairs to balance. "When it gets down to attempts to have your character damaged; arrested, and portrayed as being corrupt, these issues have serious affects on your family, friends and communities. "If this is what one has to look forward to when you enter public life, then many people would withhold their services from the arena of public life."
My wife, my pillar of strength
Rowley proudly attributes his courage to continue pressing on to his wife, who has been his prop in his weakest moments. "My wife has been my strongest supporter; she has been a pillar of strength while she has studiously kept away from the political arena. "She is very private and very defensive of her family, while supportive of what I have done over the years. "My children have been very supportive; they have not complained of the sacrifice to do public work, but recently when attacks were directed at their mother regarding this whole question of having money in a foreign account and all the strange behaviour surrounding the issue, I have seen the hurt, tears, and there were expressions as to whether, in fact, this is what they have to look forward to.
"I still have their support, though."
Throughout the storm, there were some memorable memories that brought smiles to his face. The most recent was last week, during his campaign at La Puerta. "There are some pleasant moments that make up for the pain. Only last week I met a group of school children. T hey were so excited that they held on to my arms, escorting me down the streets. "To me, it is very gratifying to know what my representation does."
Committed to PNM
Despite the high and low roads, Rowley has vowed to be committed always to the ruling party. However, he does not want to be seen as a superior paragon of virtue, after his return to the fold.
"I am a normal, law-abiding citizen who believes there is a right and wrong way to do things. "We are both party members. The Prime Minister holds high office, and I hold office. I am a great believer in the institution and not the servers of the institution. "I also think my family have benefited tremendously from public policy in this country. I never ceased to remind them of that. "I am the product of good public policy. In fact, PNM policy moved me from a child with potential from a distant village from Mason Hall, Tobago, to university and then to the corridors of Parliament."
Why he did not speak at Woodford Square
Touching briefly on his decision not to speak in Woodford Square during the launch of the party's campaign, Rowley said the timing was not appropriate. "I am hearing foolishness and talk. That was my seventh outing at the presentation of candidates. I was there in 2001, 2002 and in 2007, and I never spoke. "Giving me three minutes there I would say, especially in the context of the situation where I have found myself as a candidate of great surprise; having to justify my acceptance of a nomination a three-minute attempt could have been grossly misunderstood by those who were interested in that appearance.
"By the time I had said "Hello, good day"'it would have been over. It was not my choice of venue and occasion to reintroduce myself in the current political situation.
"I am not in this for show; I would like to see some seriousness in the conduct of business." Not getting ahead of himself to predict the outcome of the May 24 general election, Rowley, however, boasted that the PNM was a well-organised political organisation, and anyone coming up against the party must respect and compete with it. He quickly pointed out that while the party's organisation was at a high standard, the PNM was not invincible. "It is probably the most serious election since 1956. I am disappointed at the amount of foolishness coming off the platform in the country. "Nobody is addressing the serious life and death bread and butter issues threatening T&T."
"People want to slide into office by virtue of presenting themselves; how they think they should feel. Every candidate has to fight for every vote. Nothing must be taken for granted. "This electorate is different. The questions children put to me now would not have been put to me back then. It is not for me to demonise you or you demonise me. "Whoever you are about to elect, ensure that they possess the qualities for the job and that there are systems for accountability for what goes on in the name of the public. "Then we will know we are progressing. The election will be a mini-Carnival, and we can have one every year."
Asked if he would accept a ministerial portfolio if the PNM returned to office, a very humble-speaking Rowley responded: "I do not get ahead of myself. I will cross that bridge when we get there. In the meantime, we have a long road to walk."
Captions:
Diego Martin West MP Keith Rowley is surrounded by his pillars, wife Sharon (left) daughter Sonel, 21, (second left) and Tonya, 23, at their Goodwood Park, Glencoe home. (Andre Alexander)
A beaming Sonel Rowley, 21, hugs her father, Dr Keith Rowley, during an exclusive interview with Sunday Guardian. (Keith Matthews)
Flanked by constituents Diego Martin West MP remains committed to the PNM. (Kristian de Silva)
Photos: Keith Matthews, Kristian De Silva and Andre ALEXANDER.