Manning must declare himself unfit to continue

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - Without wanting to seem ungrateful and unmindful of the 40-plus years of Mr Patrick Manning’s service to this country as MP, energy minister, finance minister and Prime Minister, after being on sick leave for a year from the Parliament, it is time that he gives definitive word that he may be unfit to finish this term of office. In doing so, he would be clearing the way for a by-election and a fully capable MP to attend to the needs of constituents of San Fernando East. A healthy MP would also be able to add weight to the efforts of the opposition People’s National Movement in the cut and thrust of debate in the Parliament. Yesterday marked one year since the “slight stroke” hit Mr Manning. The Speaker of the House of Representatives has been understanding and allowed the former PNM leader to recuperate, inclusive of an extended stay outside of the country being treated at an internationally-reputed health institution. But it cannot be expected that the Speaker will continue indefinitely to grant extensions. A repeat of the disgraceful example of the late PNM MP Gordon Draper who spent most of one term abroad undertaking personal work contracts.