The Government of Antigua and Barbuda expresses its condolences to the Government, people and family of the late former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Honourable Patrick Manning, who died today, Saturday, hours following his admission to hospital.
The Honourable Patrick Manning was first elected to The Office of Prime Minister in 1991 and served for two terms following which his People’s National Movement (PNM) lost early elections. He was very highly regarded, attaining the popular standing of an Eric Williams-the founder of the PNM and the first Prime Minister of an independent Trinidad and Tobago. Following his political party’s defeat, he declined the offer of the highest national honour, when offered by the new Prime Minister.
The Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, described Mr. Manning as “an inspiration to many younger CARICOM leaders who paid attention to his substance and his contribution to nation-building. Patrick Manning was a principled leader who abided his promises and led Trinidad and Tobago through a very difficult period,” the Prime Minister said.
The Honourable Lester Bird, former Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, who served simultaneously with the Honourable Patrick Manning, remembers the Trinidad and Tobago leader as a thoughtful, considerate and effective advocate in the CARICOM Heads meetings. “He recognized the role which Trinidad and Tobago played in the establishment of CARICOM in 1973, and he gave his utmost to preserving and increasing the effectiveness of our regional organization,” the former Prime Minister concluded.
The CARICOM Heads will convene on Monday evening, July 4, 2016, in Georgetown, Guyana, for their annual Conference, under the Chairmanship of Dominica’s Prime Minister; tributes to the Honourable Patrick Manning are also likely to emanate from the gathering.
