Former Prime Minister Patrick Manning remains in stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit of the San Fernando General Hospital recovering from a “mild” stroke suffered on Monday, son Brian has said.
The 66-year old former political leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM) and current Member of Parliament for San Fernando East, was taken from his home in an ambulance after it was found he could not stand, had slurred speech and the right side of his body was numb and weakened.
“He is resting comfortably and he’s not in a critical situation right now but we are taking every precaution,” Brian said. “It’s a wait-and-see situation and we thank the country for their prayers.”
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has advised the health minister to make available every resource that may be required to ensure the ailing politician is well looked after.
Former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, a one-time opponent of Manning’s was among those allowed to visit him.
“The fact that we were political opponents did not affect us as human beings. We remained on friendly terms as human beings,” he said.
“We carried out political battles all the time. When I heard he was ill I thought I would come and visit him. I spoke to the family to find out if it was permissible that I do so, and they agreed.”
Leader of the Opposition Dr Keith Rowley, who replaced Manning as PNM Political Leader in 2010, said he too was hoping for a quick recovery.
“I think the country is keeping our fingers crossed that everything will go well and he will be back to a satisfactory condition. We are certainly calling for God’s guidance and intervention. There’s not much more that we can do,’ he said.
Manning served as the fourth and sixth Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago between the periods 1991-1995 and 2001- 2010.
(Source http://www.caribbean360.com/index.php/news/trinidad_tobago_news/550635.html#axzz1kbH1qjwt)
