FORMER Greater Chaguanas Chamber of Commerce president Richie Sookhai had his political baptism last week when he was appointed as a government senator on January 17, filling the seat vacated by former government senator and Senate president Christine Kangaloo.

But Sookhai's appointment to the Senate was a bolt out of the blue.

In accepting his new role as a government senator, Sookhai said he was doing it because he wanted to serve the people of TT. He did not rule out the possibility of that service possibly being as a future general election candidate for the PNM, government minister or parliamentary secretary.

"Once you take a stand. You are committed to a cause. I think you go into it all the way," he said in an interview on Saturday.

Asked about the possibility of him being a future general election candidate for the PNM in either Chaguanas West or Chaguanas East, Sookhai said, "If asked to serve in that capacity, and I feel I could actually make a change or betterment for the people, not playing politics or politricks, I will go open-heartedly and offer myself."

Chaguanas East was held by the PNM from 2007 and 2010 and is considered a marginal seat. Chaguanas West is considered a UNC electoral stronghold.

Sookhai was encouraged to step out of the private sector and into the arena of public service by the Prime Minister.

"I was given the opportunity by the Prime Minister himself to serve and as he (Dr Rowley) put it, 'would you like the opportunity to serve your country'."

He had no reservations about accepting it. with both hands.

"For me it was a natural progression, moving from the chamber...although its a point of advocacy...to a position now where you can actually influence changes. "

There are times in life when people make significant decisions on their way forward.

"I saw it and I said yes. This is my opportunity to serve (the people of TT)."

Asked about past and present political affiliations, Sookhai said, "I have never held a party card in any political party. But I can tell you as of right now, I am a longstanding member and a life member of the PNM."

Sookhai has never participated in politics.

"Usually my views are a bit objective when it comes to policy."

Sookhai said from his career in the private sector, he has always walked an apolitical path.

"In that way, I always thought that my voice and my statements held some sort of weight and credibility behind it."

While being aware of the political dimension associated with being a government senator, Sookhai said, "I still consider myself, when I make my decisions, for the people of the country."

He did see not himself ever being in a position to compromise his longstanding values for political gain.

"When I spoke to the Prime Minister, one of the things that attracted him to me, was that my voice was always apolitical. He held that in high regard and with that he said he likes my independent thinking. "