Government should retain its Uganda mission as testimony to the vision for Africa and T&T held by late former prime minister Patrick Manning, under whose tenure the mission was opened, says Opposition Senate Leader Wade Mark.
He made the call in the Senate yesterday where senators paid tribute to Manning who died last Saturday.
Suffering from a severe lung infection Manning had subsequently been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a highly aggressive cancer of the blood. He died 24 hours after the diagnosis was revealed.
At yesterday’s Senate sitting, Mark said it was a solemn and “undeniably traumatic occasion.
“I grieve the loss of the former prime minister. It has been an honour and privilege to know this legendary personality, this political giant among men, the ‘Kimba’ (strongman) of Cocoyea,” he added.
Describing Manning as a fallen leader, Mark said he epitomised the national watchwords of “Discipline, Tolerance and Production.”
He added that Manning’s performance on the international stage was stellar and among his achievements was the opening up of east Africa to T&T and the Caribbean.
Mark noted the Uganda mission helped facilitate that. Last week Government said the mission would be closed to focus on a Middle East post instead.
Mark said Manning had mixed elements which made him a joy to be associated with and to work with in Parliament.
“He was an equally delightful person to know... wise, warm-hearted and humorous. He held strong views and did not give up on his dreams. He was the driving force for change. We learned of his fortitude, courage, dedication and compassion.
Mark said while Manning and the UNC shared commonality of spirit, they had different ideologies. He said though Manning overcame many challenges and had an indefatigable spirit, as a human being he also had “feet of clay, despite strong armour but whichever side of the political divide you were on, he left a lasting imprint on T&T.”
All members desk thumped loudly in endorsement of his words.
PNM Government Senator Foster Cummings, in his tribute, noted Manning’s many awards for regional assistance and international work.
He said Manning was “bold but not a bully, humble but not timid, proud but not arrogant and humorous but without folly.”
Noting Manning’s movements from Opposition to Government, Cummings said he was the “true comeback kid.”