Former PM suffers stroke

January 25, 2012

Former prime minister Patrick Manning, who suffered a stroke late Monday night, was described by his family as “doing well, recuperating nicely and in a stable condition” at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the San Fernando General Hospital. In a statement issued yesterday, the family said visits to the San Fernando East MP were being restricted to his immediate family. The statement added: “Mr Manning and his family will like to thank everyone for their words of encouragement, thoughts and prayers. Crowds of People’s National Movement (PNM) officials, supporters and well-wishers have been keeping a vigil outside the hospital since early yesterday morning. Manning, 65, the longest-serving member of the House of Representatives, fell ill shortly after returning home from a meeting at his San Fernando East constituency office on Monday night.

Mrs Manning, a former Education Minister, confirmed that Manning’s right side was partially paralysed. She said: “He is attempting to get up and talk. He is recognising people. He is recognising what is being said to him. “Right now he is sleeping. They are making sure he rests. Hopefully by tomorrow they will tell us what is happening.” She asked citizens to pray for her husband’s speedy recovery.
In a statement early yesterday, Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley said only on Friday he had discussed matters of health with Manning. He said: “Manning was in good spirits and spoke positively of his fitness, diet and exercise regime. Rowley went to the hospital yesterday afternoon but was unable to see Manning as doctors felt it was not an appropriate time.