Prayers for Manning
Leader of the Opposition Dr Keith Rowley says former prime minister Patrick Manning is a special man and citizens should learn a lot from him. Rowley said so during a brief address at a thanksgiving service for Manning at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, San Fernando, on Saturday.
Manning is recovering from a seizure which occurred last Thursday afternoon. He remains on extended leave from Parliament following a mild stroke he suffered at his home more than one year ago.
Rowley was not listed to address the service but did so on the request of Manning.Rowley was high in praise for Manning. He said Manning had served the nation for more than 40 years and had changed the lives of many citizens. Rowley said the nation should thank Manning for his service, adding that forty years was not 40 days.
"What Patrick Manning has overcome is an inspiration for us all. He has always been a fighting man," Rowley said."We give thanks for his years service and hope that his progress will continue," Rowley added.
He said he "joined with all in saying thanks to the man we love since he has impacted on all our lives. We give thanks."As Dr Rowley embraced Manning, someone in the audience shouted: "Let the healing begin."The service was organised by Manning's San Fernando East constituency. Among those who attended were Manning's wife and former education minister Hazel Manning, former finance minister Karen Tesheira, former housing minister Dr Emily Dick-Forde and former public utilities minister Mustapha Abdul-Hamid.