One advertising agency, Advantage Advertising Services Limited has paid tribute to former prime minister Patrick Manning, following his death on Saturday at 8:15 am. Media Director, Gita Lutchman-Chanko yesterday saidManning would go down in history as one of Trinidad and Tobago's greatest leaders.
The following is a media release from the organisation:
He was one of the greatest fighters for the people of T&T within our region and one of the greatest proponents of the Caribbean region as an economic and cultural force in the modern world.
We live today in a country that Patrick Manning transformed with his vision. It is a country with greater freedom and prosperity; a society more advanced than the one he inherited when he became Prime Minister. When others saw only limits to T&T's growth, he saw the true potential of our land. During his tenure as Prime Minister, he created a strong economic and energy architecture through pivotal policy changes, fueling the country's infrastructure, health system, education and culture. Monetizing gas at $12/MMBtu is an achievement that can not be undermined.
Patrick Manning was also a big proponent of education as an agent of change. He believed in every citizen's right to access to education, from nursery to tertiary, and made it his personal mission to advance our nation's School system. Further, he believed in cultivating music, art and culture as a means to nurture human psyche and promote our national identity beyond the borders of our country.
No one was more deeply committed to the Caribbean integration than Patrick Manning. He was pivotal to the creation of the Caribbean Single Market with all its benefits to the people, while he always advocated our commitment to CARICOM. His leadership in the region is unparalleled, setting an example for all regional leaders.
We have lost a great leader and a great man. I have also lost a dear friend. Our relationship started through family connections, but was cemented in 1987 when Patrick Manning asked me to join the PNM. I had never intended to get involved in politics. But when Manning shared his vision for the country and its people with me, I could not help but be mesmerized. His vision fully aligned with mine and I admired how deeply and truly he cared for the people. Through numerous and lengthy discussions over local, regional and international politics, I understood his deeply embedded feeling that he had a divine responsibility to improve lives. Politics was a vocation to him and that when faced with tough decisions he had the courage to do so.
Our relationship was characterized by mutual respect. I respected his vision and commitment to the people and he respected my business acumen and my ability to deliver on milestones quickly and effectively. We did not always see eye-to-eye on issues; but there was always a thread of respect on every occasion. Manning gave me an opportunity to contribute in many areas and I will forever be grateful for that.
We share his family's grief today, but we also share their pride over his amazing achievements for our country. Patrick Manning will be remembered for his charisma, invigorating presence and his lifetime of dedication to our nation.