House members wish former PM speedy recovery

House Speaker Wade Mark, as well as the Government and Opposition sides in the House of Representatives, yesterday wished former Prime Minister Patrick Manning a speedy recovery. In Parliament yesterday, Manning’s San Fernando East seat at the end of the Opposition row was empty. Mark started off the session with immediately addressing the gathering about Manning’s illness. “While the House was adjourned, former prime minister and MP for San Fernando East had taken seriously ill and had to be hospitalised,” he said. “The MP was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the San Fernando General Hospital where he received urgent medical treatment for a mild cerebro-vascular accident.

“I am advised that the most recent official report describes the MP’s condition as stable. “He is reportedly recuperating well and resting comfortably at the hospital.” Mark said he had already written to Manning on MPs’ behalf, expressing their wishes for his full and speedy recovery. He said Manning was excused from yesterday’s sitting because of illness. During debate on a PNM motion in the session, PNM lady vice-chairman Donna Cox also extended wishes for Manning’s speedy recovery. Cox said: “I’d like to wish our former political leader and the MP for San Fernando East a speedy recovery as we continue to pray for him.”

Similar sentiment also came from National Security Minister John Sandy who spoke during debate on the PNM motion. Saying he was speaking on behalf of government members, Sandy said: “I wish to extend best wishes to the MP for San Fernando East and wish him a speedy recovery and to let his family know our prayers are with them.”