People’s National Movement (PNM) Senator Faris Al-Rawi said yesterday his mother—former minister Diane Seukeran—had lung cancer, so he was not a supporter of the use of tobacco.

But he said he could not support the 100% increase in tax on cigarettes and rum announced in the national budget because it would affect businesses, as well as the most vulnerable in the society.

‘bad for business’: Opposition Senator Faris Al Rawi during his contribution at yesterday’s sitting of the Upper House.