Balisier tie to the end. That’s the main accessory with which late former prime minister Patrick Manning has been outfitted for his final repose.
About 200 people attended a private service and viewing of Manning’s body at Belgrove’s Funeral Home in San Fernando yesterday. It launched today’s start of public viewing of the body.
Those who viewed Manning’s body were family, very close friends and executive members of Manning’s former San Fernando East constituency, which he served for 44 years. Also present was successor MP Randall Mitchell, it was confirmed.
Manning, 69, died last Saturday—six weeks shy of his 70th birthday—at the San Fernando General Hospital.
At yesterday’s service, entitled “Celebrating the Life and Service of a Golden Icon,” attendees sang “The Lord’s My Shepherd,” “Be Still My Soul” and “He Only Takes the Best.” Scripture readings were done, as well as Psalms 31 and 42, and Corinthians 13 (Verse 13).
Manning’s body at repose in a dark-wood coffin, was dressed in a black suit with his balisier tie.
Attendees said, “He looks exactly like himself, good colour, a smile on his face, hands crossed across his chest and of course with his balisier tie—the smile on his face brought tears to many.” Several who viewed the body said they came away “with relief that he looked so peaceful...”
Under Manning’s tenure as PNM leader, the balisier tie was a fixture among MPs and other PNMites. This was changed under the current Dr Keith Rowley PNM administration, which favours ties of the national colours. At Monday’s Parliament sitting, where tributes to Manning were given, male PNM MPs all wore the balisier tie to mark his passing.
Today, students, constituents, colleagues and associates are expected to be among the public viewing Manning’s body, which will lie in state at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) from 10 am to 6 pm. After leaving SAPA, a procession via Mon Repos and Pleasantville will proceed to the Solomon Hochoy Highway, thence to Port-of-Spain.
Following the end of today’s viewing, Manning’s body will be transported via hearse to Port-of-Spain for tomorrow’s viewing at the Northern Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Port-of-Spain. Tomorrow, members of the public in the north will view the body at NAPA between 10 am and 6 pm.
On Saturday, a state funeral service will take place from 10 am at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Port-of Spain, encompassing the surrounding block and Woodford Square, where attendees will also be accommodated. The area will be closed to traffic. Among preparations for the service yesterday, a large tented area was set up on the Hart Street block between the church and Woodford Square.
President Anthony Carmona, Prime Minister Rowley and St Vincent Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves are among those expected to speak at the service. Caricom chairman, Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, may also be among speakers. The eulogy is expected to be presented by Brian Manning, elder son of the former PM. Manning Jr, who was overseas studying, is due home today.
The service will be followed by a private burial. Final funeral details are expected to be announced by Government today.
Tonight, PNM’s Balisier House head office will feature tributes to Manning from former PNM deputy leader Joan Yuille-Williams and other former officials Jerry Narace, Laurel Lezema-Lee Sing and Dane Wilson. (See Page A6)