Vice President of the Association for the Hearing Impaired Stephen Dookhran, is seeking to become the first deaf-mute individual to contest a seat in any election in Trinidad and Tobago.
Dookhran is the candidate for the Penal electoral district in the August 14 Local Government Elections (LGE) and he is offering his services under the Progressive Empowerment Party (PEP), which is led by Phillip Alexander.
Speaking to media via an interpreter after filing his nomination papers on Monday, Dookhran, 39, said if elected to the Penal-Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC), he will not only represent those with hearing impairments but all differently-abled people, along with his community.
Dookhran, who taught himself sign-language, is currently an employee with The Tradewinds Hotel.
“I am involved with many NGOs and other organisations. I can represent all people with disabilities, but it is not just about disabilities. It is for both hearing (impaired) and people with disabilities. We are all equal. I want to roll up my sleeves and get the work done for the best of the community of T&T,” Dookran said.