Senior Political Reporter
Former education minister and senator Hazel Manning is set to offer herself for the chairmanship of the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) San Fernando East (SFE) constituency executive when elections are held next month.
Her son, San Fernando East MP Brian Manning, confirmed the development yesterday.
The announcement comes as internal tensions continue within the constituency between Brian Manning and current constituency chairman Patricia Alexis.
A third member of the constituency executive resigned yesterday due to the current impasse, while party sources said a fourth resignation is expected today.
Despite the turmoil, the PNM is proceeding with plans to complete constituency executive elections and install a new executive by September.
In a statement yesterday, Hazel Manning said she had decided to offer herself after receiving numerous appeals from supporters within the constituency.
“Over the last few months, I have observed the escalating turmoil and overwhelming concerns by the people of San Fernando East regarding the conduct, reputation and business of some who represent us,” she said.
“San Fernando East is a symbolic seat, not just for the legacy of Patrick Manning and the Manning family, but for the People’s National Movement.
“For decades, I watched my husband, and now my son Brian Manning, walk every street, take note of every issue and make sacrifices to try to reach and represent every constituent.”
She said the current situation had also influenced her decision.
“Given the circumstances, and following countless phone calls, in the interest of bringing peace to the constituency, tonight I formally agree to offer myself to serve in the position of chairman of the San Fernando East constituency. I appreciate each of you. Let us work together to repair, recover and rebuild.”
Speaking about his mother’s decision, Brian Manning later said, “She has received overwhelming requests from San Fernando party faithful. They believe she is the only person who can bring peace.”
Manning (H), 77, was born in San Fernando and was married to former prime minister Patrick Manning. The couple had two sons, David and Brian.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences from The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, a postgraduate diploma in administration and a Master’s degree in Planning and Development.
Manning served as a Government senator in 2001 and later held the portfolios of Minister of Education from 2002 to 2007 and Minister of Local Government from 2007.
The latest developments come amid an ongoing dispute involving Brian Manning and Alexis.
The controversy intensified after Manning issued a Facebook statement outlining concerns raised by constituency members regarding the verification of party groups ahead of executive elections and issues involving Alexis.
Manning submitted his concerns to the party in June. Alexis also raised concerns, which were subsequently reviewed by a party-appointed team that produced a report containing findings and recommendations.
PNM chairman Marvin Gonzales has said those recommendations are currently being implemented.
Last Thursday, just hours after Gonzales urged members to avoid airing grievances publicly, the San Fernando East executive issued a Facebook statement critical of Manning.
The following day, two of the executive’s 12 members submitted resignation letters to constituency secretary Abigail Cox. No reasons were given.
However, party sources said some members objected to the statement being issued in the executive’s name without their knowledge or approval.
Yesterday, a third executive member tendered a resignation letter to Cox.
The letter stated: “Dear Madam, I write to tender my resignation as a member of the San Fernando East Constituency Executive, with immediate effect. This is a personal decision and I do not propose to elaborate on it. I thank the members who placed their confidence in me and my colleagues for the period of service we shared.”
Attempts to contact Cox were unsuccessful. Calls to her cellphone resulted in a recorded message indicating that incoming calls to the number were restricted.
Sources within the constituency said a fourth executive member is also expected to resign today.
Alexis did not respond to queries from the Sunday Guardian regarding the resignations, what steps the executive may take to address the situation, or whether it would heed Gonzales’ call to avoid further public disputes.
Manning said the resignations appeared to be linked to dissatisfaction over the Facebook statement.
“The information coming to me is that persons resigned in protest because the statement was posted unilaterally. That’s why it was unsigned on Facebook. People didn’t want to be used,” he claimed.
Neither PNM political leader Pennelope Beckles-Robinson nor Gonzales responded yesterday to requests for comment on the resignations, whether Manning and Alexis would be called in for discussions, or how the executive intends to function amid the ongoing dispute.
However, party sources said the leadership is expected to engage with the San Fernando East executive shortly.
Senior party officials also expressed concern that public exchanges between the opposing sides have continued despite efforts to resolve the issues internally.
One official noted that the first recommendation being implemented concerns the verification of party groups, one of the matters highlighted by Manning.
“A three-member team, including nominees from both the MP and the constituency chairman, has been appointed to undertake the verification exercise. The party is committed to resolving these matters,” the official said.
Party sources said the verification process is expected to be completed within days.
Once completed, party group elections are expected to take place by the end of the month, paving the way for constituency executive elections and the installation of a new executive in September.
The San Fernando East constituency is among the last PNM constituencies yet to complete executive elections. Party officials said there are no plans for delays, noting that all constituency executive elections must be concluded before the party’s annual convention in November.
