Senior Political Reporter
Embattled San Fernando East MP Brian Manning came under heavy criticism from the People’s National Movement (PNM) leadership yesterday, who turned on him amid a public dispute with his constituency executive with warnings that disciplinary action could be on the horizon.
Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, PNM chairman Marvin Gonzales urged Manning to exercise restraint as the party continues efforts to resolve issues within the San Fernando East constituency.
“You’re engaging on a very dangerous path that isn’t good for the party’s interests. We’re asking him to allow good sense to prevail, do some introspection and self-reflection, and while the party carries out its processes to resolve these matters, to conduct himself in a disciplined way,” Gonzales said.
He warned that Manning’s continued public statements had prompted complaints from party members, some of whom were calling for disciplinary action.
“My understanding is that members are so aggrieved and concerned that we’ve already started receiving complaints from party members. We may have to conduct investigations into the matter,” Gonzales added.
Gonzales was joined at the briefing by deputy leaders Sanjiv Boodhu and Colm Imbert and Senator Dr Amery Browne. All rejected Manning’s claims regarding the party’s handling of concerns raised within the constituency.
The PNM Women’s League also criticised Manning’s actions.
The controversy stems from complaints made in June. San Fernando East executive chairman Patricia Alexis first raised concerns with the party leadership, followed by a complaint from Manning conveying concerns voiced by constituency members, including allegations regarding Alexis’ leadership style.
An inquiry team headed by Boodhu subsequently examined the matter and submitted findings and recommendations.
After Manning publicly criticised the process last Tuesday, Gonzales appealed for all parties to avoid public commentary. However, a statement issued by the San Fernando East executive soon afterwards publicly criticised Manning. Gonzales yesterday described that statement as “ill-timed and uncalled for.”
On Sunday, PNM leader Pennelope Beckles, Gonzales and general secretary Foster Cummings met with the constituency executive. Manning was invited but did not attend. The entire Sando East executive resigned yesterday. (See page 7)
Later yesterday, following comments made by Manning on a radio programme, Gonzales issued a statement condemning the MP’s actions.
“It is unfortunate that an elected Member of Parliament has chosen not to honour the procedures initiated, in accordance with the constitution of the PNM, to address matters within the constituency that he represents,” Gonzales stated.
“Mr Manning’s statements are inaccurate and unfairly cast aspersions on the party, members of the constituency that he represents and the PNM’s leadership. Such conduct is unacceptable and must be condemned.”
At the media briefing, Gonzales said it was untrue that Manning’s concerns had been ignored when first raised.
“This 70-year-old institution must remain committed to its constitution. What transpired this morning was quite unfortunate because the matter remains ongoing. We must respect our constitution and traditions,” he said.
Gonzales said all members, particularly elected officials, were expected to uphold party discipline.
“When people are not faithful to the party’s traditions, all hell breaks loose and the stability of the PNM is jeopardised,” he said.
Browne cautions MP
Browne also criticised Manning’s conduct and urged him to respect the party’s internal mechanisms.
“A word of advice to my colleague MP Brian Manning: the course you’ve chosen is not a wise one in these circumstances, particularly when these matters are currently being addressed by the organs of the PNM mandated to treat with them,” Browne said.
He urged Manning to respect the deliberations, actions and decisions of the party’s central executive and general council and to avoid creating unnecessary distractions.
“Respect the party’s democracy. No MP has the power to hand-select any individuals to serve as a constituency executive,” Browne added.
Gonzales agreed that Manning should not conduct himself in a manner that damages the party’s image.
“I want to ask him to demonstrate sobriety, prudence and responsibility in his conduct. You’re not an ordinary party member; you’re a Member of Parliament and should be a standard-bearer of discipline in San Fernando East,” he said.
While stressing that no party executive member has the authority to force an MP to resign, Gonzales said the party’s constitution contains provisions to address indiscipline.
“The party has mechanisms to treat with matters of indiscipline, where members may be conducting themselves contrary to the party’s interests,” he said.
Asked whether disciplinary action against Manning was being considered, Gonzales explained that the process can only be triggered by a complaint from a party member.
“Once a complaint is received, there is an investigation and the matter goes before the disciplinary committee,” he said.
He confirmed that complaints from party members regarding Manning’s conduct had already begun arriving.
“The leadership does not trigger the process, but once a complaint comes from a member, there is an inquiry to determine whether grounds exist for disciplinary action.”
No impact on parliamentary work
Gonzales denied suggestions that the leadership had taken sides in the dispute and insisted the party was seeking discipline from all involved.
He also dismissed speculation that the issue would affect the Opposition’s parliamentary operations.
“I have no information that Mr Manning is not going to work with his PNM colleagues,” Gonzales said.
He admitted he had been surprised by Manning’s public comments, describing them as “out of character.”
Seeking to reassure party supporters, Gonzales said, “This too shall pass.”
He noted that the first recommendation arising from the inquiry, relating to verification of the party group, is expected to be completed by Friday. The central executive is due to meet on Saturday to review the matter before it returns to the general council. He also said Beckles would address the issue at the PNM’s weekly briefing on Thursday.
Manning: I’m MP until 2030
Responding to the PNM’s initial statement yesterday morning, Manning told the T&T Guardian he has no intention of stepping aside.
“I am MP for San Fernando East until 2030. I’ll decide then what will be next for me,” Manning said.
“Until then, I’ll defend the people of San Fernando East with every resource that I have.”
Commenting on the resignation of the constituency executive, Manning said it did not go far enough.
“In my view, they haven’t gone far enough. Ms Alexis should be made to resign as deputy mayor of San Fernando until she can clear the air about various matters,” he said.
During the PNM briefing, Manning posted on Facebook:
“Member of the general council. Member of the central executive. Removed from the constituency executive. Sits on the body that wants to choose the new constituency executive. Anyone see a conflict? Not even a recusal? Who can have faith in a process rife with conflicts of interest?”
After the briefing, Manning initially declined to comment further but later maintained his concerns about the process.
Women’s League: Respect the process
The PNM’s National Women’s League yesterday expressed “deep concern” over Manning’s recent public statements regarding the San Fernando East executive and the party.
In a statement, the league acknowledged Manning’s right to raise concerns but criticised his decision to do so publicly.
“Every member has the right to raise concerns, and the PNM provides appropriate forums to accommodate them. What is extremely disappointing is that MP Manning has disregarded and ignored the process already initiated within the party to address the matters he has raised,” the statement said.
The league said Manning was fully aware the matter was being dealt with in accordance with the party’s constitution but had continued to pursue it publicly.
“This approach undermines the party’s established structures and the authority of the very process designed to address his concerns. It also creates unnecessary division and places internal party matters before the public when they should be resolved internally.”
The organisation concluded by urging Manning to allow the relevant party structures to complete their work.
“As women who stand on the shoulders of those who fought for greater voice and representation in political life, we firmly believe that having a voice also comes with great responsibility: to respect process and accountability. The National Women’s League therefore calls on Mr Manning to respect the process that has been established and allow the relevant party structures to do their work.”
