Rahael Jr defends himself

Joseph Rahael, chief executive officer of the Real Estate Development and Investment Company and son of Health Minister John Rahael, is “not taking lightly” the  “disparaging remarks” against his character which were made by the Public Services Association (PSA) on Tuesday. “I have already instructed my lawyer to commence proceedings,” Rahael told Newsday yesterday. Rahael described the allegations as baseless, unfounded and irresponsible. “My family business is over 60 years old and over the years we have been involved in many different business activities.” These include retail, manufacturing, gas processing and real estate development. “We believe in the economy of TT and we remain committed to being part of the economic development of TT.”

Asked if he had any knowledge of CDAP prior to its official launch in 2003, he said: “absolutely not.” Rahael also stressed that even while his father was agriculture minister he was not privy to anything which was said when the Cabinet met. Allegations that he had inside information were dismissed as “rubbish.” He said the first of the Super Pharm pharmacies will be opened in Westmoorings in May 2005 and the other five will follow. Rahael said when he and his friends formed an investment group three years ago, it was to look at opportunities in business. He said the rise in the “big business format” in dining (eg Ruby Tuesday’s, TGI Friday’s) and garment industry prompted their decision to enter the pharmacy business.

He said this sector was underdeveloped and they wanted to bring “international quality and standards to the pharmacy business.” Rahael said they had no information about CDAP when they made this decision. He added that CDAP did not exist. Rahael said he did not discuss the venture with his father. Joseph Rahael  has a 20-25 percent interest in Super Pharm. CDAP was launched in 2003 to provide free medication to people 65 years and over who suffer from non-communicable diseases — diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma and some cardiac diseases.  It was subsequently expanded three times, most recently this month to cover all persons with chronic non-communicable diseases.