Late former prime minister Patrick Manning was a worthy opponent who achieved greatness on his own and though he was literally chased out of the leadership of his party, he still remained loyal to the People’s National Movement, says Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
In paying tribute to Manning in Parliament yesterday, she added: “We have lost a role model, a brother, a father and friend... a true patriot and leader. The loss we have suffered would be felt for many months and years to come.
“Patrick Manning will remain immortal. Who in all honesty can forget Patrick Manning, who guided his party and this nation through some of the most difficult times?”
She said Manning was born “a simple, humble man who achieved greatness on his own through dedication, hard work and deep commitment to his party and T&T.”
“He rebuilt his battered party (in 1986) and triumphantly led the PNM back to office in 1991. When circumstances sent him back to opposition, he remained steadfast in his determination to guide his party along a path he defined. That resilience caused him to return to government with clear mandates in 2002 and 2007.
“Mr Manning was a worthy opponent. We stood on different sides in the political battlefield and crossed swords on many issues. We had different visions on how to take our country forward but the common thread was... our respective visions were developed out of love for country... that’s what leadership is about. That’s what defined the life of Patrick Manning,” she added.
Persad-Bissessar said Manning also learned well from PNM founder Dr Eric Williams and others.
She added: “Perhaps the most important lessons were about loyalty and commitment. He waited ten years before getting a full ministerial position but never lost patience or turned against his party.
“He wasn’t just a true patriot, he epitomised what a politician should be. He was one of the most dedicated PNM members and never lost hope or deserted even in the party’s darkest hours.
“He sincerely believed in the greatness of his party and its motto, it would always prevail; no PNM leader fought as hard as he did to make that happen. And he took responsibility for his actions.
“When the party faced humiliation on May 24, 2010, Mr Manning took full responsibility. Though he was literally chased out of the leadership by members of his own party, his loyalty never waned. That’s a striking characteristic of an outstanding leader.”
She said although he was ailing in health he was still prepared to return to Parliament in 2015 to serve constituents but the party signalled it was time for him to leave the stage.
“Most people would have been bitter and resentful. Not Patrick Manning. He put aside his differences and the humiliation of rejection and supported his party,” she said.
She said he was the only leader who had been in an out of office twice, preferring in 1995 to keep the PNM independent and walk away from the prime minister’s office.
Saying Manning served with integrity and loyalty, she also noted his strength of character, a deep sense of humour, “his laughter and infectious charisma.”
“While many of us would continue to challenge some of his decisions, at least he had a vision that charted the course for the decision he made.
“I have no doubt that in all sincerity he believed that whatever actions he took were in T&T’s best interest. His wife, Hazel, said what made her husband a special politician was his love and charisma and his commitment to youth,” she added.
House Speaker challenge
House Speaker Brigid Annisette-George said yesterday that when Parliament learned of former prime Minister Patrick Manning’s hospitalisation early last week they could not have anticipated his death would be so soon.
Noting his favourite statements ‘To whom much is given, much is expected,’ she said: “That aptly encapsulated Mr Manning’s gratitude for not all that he had accomplished or acquired materially, but also for his God-given talents and additionally his approach to selfless service.”
She challenged MPs and the public to consider how his passing could help them be better.