Senior Political Reporter
Former PNM Education Minister Hazel Manning’s offer to seek the chairmanship of the PNM’s More resignations hit PNM’s San Fernando East constituency has been welcomed by past and present PNMites and southerners.
Meanwhile, the PNM’s leadership yesterday began meetings with the embattled San Fernando East executive, which continues to lose members.
Resignation letters from four of the 12 executive members—including the SFE vice chairman—have so far been confirmed. Other resignations are expected today.
Mrs Manning is the widow of the former longstanding More resignations hit PNM’s San Fernando East MP and former prime minister Patrick Manning. Her son, Brian, is the current More resignations hit PNM’s San Fernando East MP.
Saturday’s announcement of her bid to seek the constituency’s chairmanship, as well as the resignations from More resignations hit PNM’s San Fernando East executive members, are the latest fallout from tensions within the constituency.
The tensions developed after MP Brian Manning conveyed to the PNM leadership concerns and queries from constituency members about various matters, including the alleged modus operandi of executive chairman Patricia Alexis. Alexis also submitted a complaint.
A PNM team probing the matter made recommendations, which are being acted upon. Manning last Tuesday expressed concern about aspects of the process.
PNM chairman Marvin Gonzales subsequently urged against public statements. However, hours later, the San Fernando East executive issued a statement criticising Manning. Several executive members later resigned. Some are reportedly upset because they were unaware of the statement before it was issued.
Two resignations were submitted last Friday. Guardian Media was informed of a third last Saturday and another yesterday.
The fourth resignation letter stated:
“Having served the San Fernando East Constituency of the People’s National Movement (PNM) for many years in various capacities, it is with tremendous sadness that I have to pen this communication. I hereby advise that with immediate effect I am resigning as vice chairman of the San Fernando East Constituency of the People’s National Movement (PNM).
“I extend appreciation for the opportunity to have served in this position over the past few years and the relationships built and fostered during this time. I continue to be a member of the PNM and wish the institution the very best going forward.”
Those who have resigned have declined comment.
Following the San Fernando East executive’s statement, Gonzales said he would personally inform the executive that it must heed the leadership’s warnings against public venting.
It was confirmed that the leadership met with the executive yesterday and will continue meetings this week.
PNM leader Pennelope Beckles-Robinson did not reply to Guardian Media’s queries on the situation, including Mrs Manning’s chairmanship bid.
Gonzales told Guardian Media: “Members can be assured the San Fernando East situation is being dealt with. We’ve said we’re firmly committed to working with Mr Manning, Ms Alexis and the constituency to resolve existing issues, and matters are being addressed.”
Past, present PNM
officials laud Hazel
Mrs Manning’s bid for the chairmanship is expected to receive the support of the vast majority of San Fernando East party groups and most executive members when the constituency election is held by September, San Fernando East officials said.
Alexis did not comment on Mrs Manning’s chairmanship bid. However, PNM National Executive member and treasurer Robert Le Hunte said: “Mrs Manning’s reputation within the PNM and, indeed, T&T is unquestionable. While she’s well known as the wife of former Prime Minister Manning, she’s also an accomplished professional in her own right, having served with distinction as Education and Local Government Minister.”
“If, after years away from active politics, she’s decided to offer herself for service as San Fernando East constituency’s chairman, that’s entirely consistent with the PNM’s democratic traditions.”
Le Hunte said it is San Fernando East’s membership that must decide whom they want to lead them.
“Elections should be held, and the will of the membership prevail…let the people of San Fernando East decide.”
Former San Fernando Corporation alderman and San Fernando East party group chairman Maxene Thomas said: “We support Mrs Manning 100 per cent! She’s part of San Fernando East—she never left us. She’s very active in the constituency and very loved. It’s very welcome that she’s seeking chairmanship.”
“Following Mr (Patrick) Manning’s legacy, Mrs Manning will be an excellent addition. We’ll be leading from in front—the UNC will not get their hands on San Fernando East!”
Former longstanding San Fernando East executive chairman Tina Gronlund-Nunez said: “I’m most pleased. Mrs Manning will bring forth what this constituency needs to heal, unite and return stronger, especially after recent developments. She commands quiet—and formidable—strength. I’m fully confident she’ll get the job done.”
PNM stalwart Ashton Ford said: “Mrs Manning’s willingness to lend yeoman service is a positive. She’ll be salvaging a situation that went awry. Her cool, calm demeanour means a lot in the present standoff in the constituency—sending a powerful signal to PNMites that this is time to unite and face the common enemy.”
“Penny must also play a role if she hopes to be a good political leader. People like Mrs Manning, Marilyn Gordon and others are needed to salvage the situation we’re in.”
San Fernando East businesswoman Iona Charles said: “We’re elated at Mrs Manning’s decision. She’s very charismatic, intelligent and strategic in operations—a woman of great integrity and humility. She’ll add value not only to the constituency but T&T.”
“She’s a great choice!” added Andre Grangee, trustee of the Port-of-Spain/San Fernando Taxi Association.
