EX PNM MINISTER JOHN RAHAEL:
“I would endorse having something named after Mr Manning. I’m not sure what his wishes may be. But something will be done. Exactly what it will be, may be examined after talks with his family. Serving with him was a delightful time of my life...I learned so much.”
Veteran Tobago PNM official
Neil Wilson
“Being in PNM for 54 years, I remember Mr Manning still having his baby features when he was Tobago Affairs Minister. You know that ferry service we have today? Which cut the old time travelling time from 8-9 hours to three hours? That was Mr Manning’s vision for Tobago. People criticised it, saying the catamaran would ‘capsize’. But he was firm on it.”
“Patrick was very, very close to Tobago. He wanted better for us. Our council formed with his help. Do you remember that political meeting in Roxborough where he told (THA head) Orville (London) he was ‘well pleased’ with his son. We’ll miss his advice. He was perhaps the best political leader after Dr (Eric) Williams. And I know I can put my head on a block for the fact he was an honest man.”
PNM DEPUTY LEADER MARLENE McDONALD
“For him it was about being a leader who led his team—loyalty, commitment and team work. Those are the qualities he sought to inculcate in us. And he always said the PNM is bigger than any one of us. I learned a lot from Mr Manning’s stewardship in the two-and-a-half years I served with him from 2007.”
OPPOSITION MP
FUAD KHAN
I’d say I knew the real Patrick Manning. He would talk quite a lot to me, personal things. He always had this belief in a higher power, that everyone is put on earth for a reason, and that God was responsible for him being where he was. He felt he had to do everything possible to make sure he didn’t let his God down. He went to church almost daily.”
“I enjoyed many discussions with him on issues that may not have been known to the public, including many of his challenges and antagonists who attempted to destroy both his career and his legacy. It therefore came as no surprise to learn that even on his deathbed, he still felt the ominous presence of persons who may have wished him harm.”
“One Friday I’d seen him in the Waterfront Plaza between Parliament sittings and he was standing looking out the glass walls at Wrightson Road and I told him, “you look like a captain of a ship standing there—you built all of this.” I later found out he’d had a stroke that night.”
“When he was in Opposition he told me he was concerned about some things not lending to equality of the people and if he ever returned to government, he would ensure equality.
“He also used to say he wanted a place for all government departments to be together and not to have to pay high rents anymore.
“He believed strongly in that. It would be an understatement to say these decisions weren’t popular with the persons who would have benefitted from the former arrangement and Mr Manning was forced to pay a severe political cost as a result.
“Many may not be aware Mr Manning was once denied healthcare as a result of him not being allowed a loan from the banks to cover the costs, which was the reason he was forced to travel to Cuba and have the procedure done for free.
“When he returned, however, from both the country and government, he would face brutal attacks from these parties, through their media outlets, who attempted to tarnish his reputation.
“Whether this is partially to blame for the deteriorating health issues that plagued his later years is unknown, but like Julius Caesar and Jesus Christ before him, he was unfortunately betrayed by those whom he trusted and served.
“He will be remembered as a statesman and a leader who never compromised in the face of threats or hardships, and we can all learn from his example.
“It would therefore be fitting homage, to rename the International Waterfront Complex in his honour. The Patrick Manning Waterfront Complex would stand as a monument and a beacon to the next generation to remind them of the great man and his selfless contribution to our country.
“It would also serve to reinforce his legacy to the nation and inspire future leaders to follow in his distinguished footsteps.”
PNM GENERAL
SECRETARY ASHTON FORD:
“I knew him since 1971, worked with him at the Opposition office when he took over the PNM in 1986 and had the arduous task of rebuilding it.
“He was the driving force and did the work with John Eckstein, Augustus Ramrekersingh, Robin Montano, Ken Valley (deceased) and Dr (Keith) Rowley who as the writer/editor on speeches. Sometimes we’d work from 10 am to 5 next morning. We knew he had health challenges before and survived, so we thought he would survive this one so his death has come as a surprise. It’s a great loss.”
ONE-TIME PNMITE/OPPOSITION MEMBER ROBIN MONTANO
“Patrick and I had our well-documented differences but it would be churlish of me not to recognise he made many good contributions to T&T and he did a lot for the country.”
EX- PNM MP
DR JOE LAQUIS:
“I entered Parliament along with Patrick in 1981 and remained very good friends until differences arose in 2004.
“Notwithstanding, his accomplishments in developing T&T and the dedication and the will he had in achieving what he believed to be right—there are very few who can fit into his shoes.
“I’ve lived through the era of Eric Williams and George Chambers and in same vein regarding their concern for development and progress of T&T and education of the youths, Patrick achieved more, as he actually accomplished. what should be done.”