RADHICA DE SILVA
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Esther Manning, the mother of the late prime minister Patrick Manning, has died at the age of 105.
A devoted Anglican, Manning lived at Cocoyea Village, San Fernando, and was one of the oldest persons in her community.
Speaking to Guardian Media last night, councillor Nigel Couttier extended condolences to the Manning family saying the matriarch's passing was a blow to the community.
"She was a very respectable person, very well known in the community, and she was very close with her religion. She was a straightforward person, and she had a genuine love for God," Couttier said.
He explained that Manning was always involved in the lives of youths and encouraged young people to go to Sunday School. "She was a source of motivation and upliftment. Due to COVID, going to her home was restricted only to immediate family," he added.
Manning and her husband, Arnold Manning, raised the late prime minister who died on July 2, 2016, along with his sisters, Dr Petronella Manning-Alleyne, Pamela and Panzetta. She is the grandmother of Minister in the Ministry of Finance Brian Manning.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be arranged.