The Government of Guyana and the Opposition yesterday extended condolences on the passing of former Trinidad and Tobago prime minister Patrick Manning, to his widow Hazel, his sons Brian and David, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago.
A press release from the government said the nation shares in the deep sense of loss and grief which have overcome the people of Trinidad and Tobago on his passing.
“Mr Manning’s legacy will undoubtedly seat him among the distinguished leaders who served Trinidad and Tobago selflessly and with an immense sense of patriotic pride and solemn dignity. “Mr Manning will further be remembered as a leader and politician who was well liked, even across the political divide and as a man possessed of a deeply spiritual soul. In this regard he leaves a poignant legacy as an exemplar for politicians, leaders and servants of the people throughout our Caribbean region and further afield, the government said.
It added that the people and nation of Trinidad and Tobago and indeed the wider Caribbean region are richer for having benefited from the service of Manning who served twice as Prime Minister, first from 1991 to 1995 and then from 2001 to 2010.
In a statement, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo extended condolences in behalf of himself and the PPP.
Jagdeo said he had worked with Manning for many years, as part of advancing bilateral relations between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as at the Caricom level.
“I grew to admire his uncompromising belief in Caribbean integration and supported many of his initiatives in pursuit of closer economic and other ties between countries of the Caribbean region, particularly in the areas of health and security.
“He was a friend and colleague, as well as a formidable leader,” Jagdeo said.
He added that his passing is a loss for the Caribbean region as a whole.
