Brian Manning: Full support for Dr Rowley

PNM San Fernando East candidate Brian Manning fully supports PNM political leader Dr Keith Rowley. He said this is notwithstanding the past relationship that Rowley had with his father – former prime minister, San Fernando East MP and PNM political leader – Patrick Manning, who died on July 2, 2016.

Speaking with reporters at San Fernando City Hall on Thursday, Manning described his relationship with Rowley as "extremely cordial."

He said, "Dr Rowley, I believe, has decided to put TT first and I am in full support of that."

Recalling the relationship his father had with Rowley, Manning said, "My father and Dr Rowley may have had the same goal but they are different kinds of people." He added, "They may have had different views on how to achieve that. They are both very strong-willed individuals."

Rowley unsuccessfully challenged Manning (P) for the party's leadership in 1997. In April 2008, Manning (P) fired Rowley from the Cabinet after Rowley raised concerns about a lack of Cabinet oversight on Udecott projects. Despite this, Rowley re-contested the Diego Martin West constituency in the May 24, 2010 general election.

Manning praised Rowley on the Government's strategies to deal with the covid19 pandemic. "The numbers speak for themselves." He condemned the Opposition and other people advocating that vigilance against covid19 be lowered. "Clearly that's irresponsible. We should listen to the directives that come from the CMO (Chief Medical Officer) and the WHO (World Health Organization)." Manning said it was interesting that people like Rowley, Colm Imbert and Camille Robinson-Regis who served in his father's administrations and knew him outside of politics, could soon become his political colleagues.

Recalling that he has always been directly or indirectly involved in politics, Manning said, "One thing that my father always pounded into my head was put your constituents first." As he bids to represent the constituency his father represented in Parliament from 1971 to 2015, Manning said, "That is exactly what I plan to do."

He said, during his walkabouts in San Fernando East many people reminded him of the work his father did in the constituency. "They tell me I have big shoes to fill and they are going to hold me accountable." Manning added, "It's something that I definitely keep in the back of my mind when I represent the people of this constituency."

He said he spoke with incumbent MP Randall Mitchell and San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello about what has been happening in the constituency and the projects lined up to be done. He thanked Mitchell for being "extremely helpful and extremely gracious."

Manning identified youth unemployment and aging infrastructure as two of the issues in San Fernando East he wants to address as MP. He believes he brings fresh energy and a fresh perspective to the political arena, when it comes to expanding the economy and creating opportunities for people. Manning said he has no problem serving wherever the party's leadership feels he is best suited to do so.