Prominent Arimian businessman turned politician John Rahael says he had a dream that didn't materialise. "I always wanted to be the mayor of Arima. But I became the mayor of Port-of-Spain." Nevertheless, the Royal Chartered Borough of Arima remains near and dear to his heart. Rummaging through his treasure trove of childhood memories, Rahael, a distinguished member of the Syrian/Lebanese clan, shared some of his vignettes. "I went to Arima Boys' Government. I was born on Columbus Street, Arima and I lived there till I was about 20. Then, the family moved to Woodbrook. We opened a business in Port-of-Spain," said Rahael.
"I have fond memories of Arima. In those days, you were free to go anywhere. I grew up liming on the block and visiting friends in all different parts of Arima. We felt comfortable and safe. The Dial Centre is the centre and I worked with my father Michael on Broadway Street," added Rahael. "I went to the race track. At one time, it was in the heart of Arima, where the Velodrome is right now. Then it was moved to Santa Rosa park. I used to walk from the Dial to the highway. I can't do that now," he said. Rahael says he was promoted in the family business on merit and not because he was the boss' son. "I started as a porter for many years, and then he made me a sales clerk and then the manager. It was because of the work I did. It had nothing to do with being the son of the owner."
Arima resident Peter Black, who lives at Green Street, attended Holy Cross College with former Port-of-Spain Mayor John Rahael.
Santa Rosa RC
Rahael says Santa Rosa RC Church is still special to him.
Today, it is the mecca for participants in the Santa Rosa festival, which is often led by Fr Christian Perreira. It is a calendar event in August when Carib Queen Valentina Medina, her attendants and the Arima community proceed through the streets. "We went to Santa Rosa RC Church. I did the Stations of the Cross up to Calvary Hill. I attended mass every Sunday. I recited the Hail Marys and I sang Ave Maria," added Rahael. The road still leads the former Health Minister to Arima.
"I still go to Arima as often as I can. I have some business interests there still. Two of my sisters operate businesses there." The memories of family and the friendships they have forged still sustain the Rahael clan. "We will always be grateful for the people of Arima who embraced us and loved us. Whether it was the Lezamas, Drapers, or Chungs, Abbas Ali and Rupert Clovis–once a mayor of Arima. "When I met Clovis, I got the notion I wanted to be mayor of Arima, but I became mayor of Port-of-Spain." These days, he's busy working in the family business. "When I was in politics, I didn't realise how many other projects they had taken on. They are quite ambitious," he said.