PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Former prime minister Patrick Manning remains “partly paralysed” at a public hospital today, his wife, Hazel Manning has said.
Manning was rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital last night suffering from what his office said had been a “minor stroke”.
It said Manning, 66, was “undergoing tests” at the medical institution.
Mrs. Manning, a former government minister, confirmed earlier media reports that he had become paralysed on the right side of his body, but did not say whether doctors were travelling from Cuba, where for the former prime minister had been undergoing medical treatment in recent years.
“He is partially paralysed, but he is attempting to get up and he is recognising people, he is recognising what is being said,” she said, adding that the doctors treating him “are pleased with what they are seeing.
“He is attempting to talk, right now they are making sure he rests and hopefully by tomorrow and the next day they will be able to tell us exactly what is happening.
“Say some prayers for him and let’s see what’s going to happen,” Mrs. Manning told reporters.
Manning was visited by former prime minister Basdeo Panday, who later told reporters that despite their political differences, that “did not affect our relationship as human beings.
“We remained on friendly terms, even though we carried out political battles and therefore when I heard he was ill, I thought I should come and visit him. I asked the family and they agreed and I saw him, I spoke with him. I think he was a bit surprised to see me there,” he said, adding “i hope he will recover very quickly”.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar in a brief message extended “heartfelt concern” for Manning, adding that she also joined “with the nation in prayer for his speedy and full recovery.
“ I have advised the Minister of Heath (dr. Fuad Khan) to make available to our former Prime Minister every resource necessary that may be required to ensure Mr. Manning is well looked after. I know he is possessed of the strength of character and indomitable spirit that will help him through this health challenge and feel confident that he will resume his duty of national service,” she added.
Dr. Keith Rowley, the leader of the main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) which Manning for a number of years until 2010, said he was “saddened at the news” that “came as a complete surprise since only as recently as Friday last we were discussing matters of health and Mr. Manning was in good spirits and spoke positively of his fitness, diet and exercise regime.
“At this time of great stress and serious concern we stand with the Manning family and call upon the party and the entire national community to pray for a speedy and complete recovery for a man who has given forty unbroken years of sterling service to our nation and the region,” he said, hoping that “Manning will soon return to the active life he knew and loved”. (CMC)
