TRIBUTE to the late Patrick Manning, former prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago by Opposition Barbados Labour Party leader Mia Mottley.
Manning passed away this morning at the San Fernando General Hospital.
He was 69 years old and had been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, an aggressive form of bone marrow cancer.
“I WAS DEEPLY SADDENED this morning to learn of the passing of the former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr Patrick Manning.
Mr Manning was a fervent supporter of regional integration. I got to know him well when I had to report to him directly for 2 years when he was the Lead Prime Minister for Security in CARICOM and I led the security efforts in the 10 countries of the region preparing for the hosting of Cricket World Cup in 2007.
Indeed, it is this work, and his leadership that led the way for CARICOM to agree that Security would be the fourth pillar on which our Caribbean
Community would rest.
Patrick Manning was always a gentleman. He was unfailingly courteous and always accessible.
While Mr Manning did not always agree with what you said, he was always willing to listen.
I also benefited considerably as a young politician as he liberally shared his experiences. He was always interested in your welfare and development. Indeed, he reinforced in me the importance of remaining close and faithful to the people you represent.
I would forever remember his constant caution that most politicians were enamored by the platform but that it was the personal interaction, the ground work, that made the decisive difference. In his words, the platform would never win you an election but it could cost you a victory.
On behalf of the Barbados Labour Party and on my own behalf, I would like to extend to his wife Hazel, his sons and wider family and to the people of Trinidad and Tobago our deepest condolences.
Patrick Manning served his country and his region well. We regret his many battles with illness in the last few years, but we know that he handled those too with his characteristic dignity and fortitude.
May his soul rest in Peace and may his memory forever live in our hearts whenever we recall our journey to better the development of our Caribbean and our people.” (PR)