Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Parliamentary presiding officers will be the first to view the body of late former prime minister Patrick Manning at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) at 10 am today.
Minister Stuart Young (Prime Minister’s Office) confirmed this yesterday as the viewing of Manning’s body in South Trinidad wound to a close.
Manning’s body is scheduled to depart South this morning, en route to Port-of-Spain to be prepared for today’s viewing at NAPA. Th viewing at NAPA begins at 10 am and ends at 6 pm.
Young said apart from Rowley, the House Speaker, Senate President, PNM MPs and Senators will also view the body as will members of the public.
Communication Minister Maxie Cuffie also yesterday detailed media arrangements for coverage of tomorrow’s three-hour state funeral for Manning at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Port-of-Spain.
The service will be from 10 am to 1 pm and tributes will be paid by several people, including Carmona, Rowley, St Vincent Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and others. The eulogy will be given by Manning’s elder son Brian.
The body will be taken to the church via slow processions from the Lighthouse at South Quay, up Frederick Street and into Abercromby Street. The cortege will be taken into the church from the southern end of the cathedral on Abercromby Street. The cathedral’s bells will toll 59 times on entry of the body to the church. State-owned CNMG will carry the service live without commentary, interviews or advertisements.
The funeral will be followed by a repast for guests at City Hall.
Tents have been set up at Woodford Square, opposite the church, to accommodate additional guests.
Police also detailed traffic restrictions for the period between today and tomorrow’s service. The block around the church and Woodford Square will be closed.
Meanwhile, Government has created a dedicated Facebook page and Twitter handle for people wishing to express their condolences to the Manning family. Well-wishers can offer their condolences through the following official social media accounts: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/offerofcondolencesPatrickManning/ or Twitter handle: @condolencepm
The social media platforms were available from yesterday and will continue until midnight Sunday and the messages will be compiled and presented to the Manning family.