– Gov’t expresses condolence on passing of former Trinidad PM

FORMER Trinidad Prime Minister Patrick Manning, who died on Saturday, was a “gentleman leader” whose legacy will undoubtedly seat him among the distinguished leaders who served Trinidad and Tobago selflessly and with an immense sense of patriotic pride and solemn dignity, the government said in a statement.

In a message, the government extended sincere condolences to Manning’s wife Mrs Hazel Manning, sons Brian and David, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago.
Mr Manning served as Prime Minister from 1991 to 1995 and then from 2001 to 2010.
He died Saturday morning at the age of 69. Mr Manning was diagnosed with cancer and was hospitalised for a brief period at the San Fernando General Hospital, where he died.
The government said Mr. Manning will be remembered as a leader and politician who was well liked, even across the political divide and as a man possessed of a deeply spiritual soul.
“In this regard, he leaves a poignant legacy as an exemplar for politicians, leaders and servants of the people throughout our Caribbean region and farther afield,” the government stated.
It was noted that Manning was an astute and life-long supporter of sports and having understood its critical function in national development, played a central role in the establishment of the Trinidad and Tobago elite athletes programme and sporting rewards initiative.
“With the continued emergence of several prominent national athletes across a multitude of disciplines, Trinidad and Tobago continues to benefit from Mr. Manning’s diverse legacy,” the government stated.
It added that the people and nation of Trinidad and Tobago and indeed the wider Caribbean region are richer for having benefited from the service of Mr. Manning.