Senior Reporter
San Fernando East MP Brian Manning says the constituency is entering a “new day” following a cordial meeting with People’s National Movement (PNM) leader Pennelope Beckles, and he is predicting an “overwhelming victory” for his mother, former education minister Hazel Manning, in the upcoming constituency executive election.
Manning made the comments yesterday during a stationery distribution exercise at his constituency office on Navet Road, San Fernando.
His remarks come as the PNM moves to rebuild the San Fernando East constituency leadership, following the resignation of the constituency executive amid a prolonged dispute between Manning and former executive chairman Patricia Alexis.
Manning had previously raised concerns with the party leadership about the operation of the constituency and the verification of party groups. He said the concerns originated from constituents’ complaints. The dispute later spilt over into the public domain, with Manning and members of the executive exchanging criticism.
The party leadership intervened and established a committee to examine the issues raised. However, the dispute persisted, with members of the constituency executive resigning before the remaining executive members, including Alexis, also stepped down.
Manning said he had since met with Beckles to discuss the way forward.
“It was cordial, and we discussed the way forward for the constituency, and I’m sure we’ll see some fruit from those discussions in the near future,” Manning said.
He said the next step would be for a verification committee to review the various party groups and determine which are legitimate.
“The way forward is, as I said, it’s a new day in San Fernando East. We are working towards the verification committee dealing with the various party groups to determine which ones are legitimate and which ones are not.”
According to Manning, the verification process will be followed by annual general meetings within the various party groups before a constituency election is held. While he expects the election to take place before the end of September, he said he could not provide an exact date.
Hazel Manning, the wife of former prime minister Patrick Manning, now deceased, is expected to contest the chairmanship, and her son made it clear yesterday that he believes she and her slate will emerge victorious.
“It’s going to be an overwhelming victory for Mrs Hazel Manning and her team, which is being called Team Integrity. That is what the constituents of this constituency demand, and that is what they’re going to get from this MP and from the new executive.”
Manning defended his decision to raise concerns about the constituency organisation, saying his primary responsibility is to the people who elected him.
“If I had to do it again tomorrow, I would. My job is to stand up and represent the people of San Fernando East. That is exactly what I’m going to do, even if it is not in favour of, or in keeping with, some opinions within the party.”
He also rejected suggestions that the dispute had distracted him from his duties as MP.
Manning and his mother were at the constituency office distributing stationery, books, rulers and pencils to about 50 primary and secondary school students ahead of the reopening of the new school year on September 7. Manning said the initiative was needs-based and supported by sponsors and other donors.
“We have not allowed any distractions to interrupt our work here in San Fernando East. We keep going and serving our constituents no matter what.”
He said he believed the dispute had not weakened his support among constituents and may have actually strengthened it.
“I think, actually, the constituents of San Fernando East like me even more now, to be honest, because they see me as a person who stood up for them.”
