CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, has described the late Patrick Manning as a true regionalist and a man with a strong commitment to building his country and the wider CARICOM.
Mr. Manning, a former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago who led his country from 1991-95 and from 2001-2010, died on Saturday at age 69.
Prime Minister Skerrit in a Statement said Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean Community have lost a truly great man.
FULL STATEMENT:
BY CHAIRMAN OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY
THE HONOURABLE ROOSEVELT SKERRIT ON THE DEATH OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO MR PATRICK MANNING
It is with a great sense of loss that I received the news of the death of the former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr Patrick Manning.
Mr Manning was a true regionalist and a man with a strong commitment to building his country and the wider CARICOM.
He let his actions speak in that regard and was a willing partner in any activity which promoted regional unity. His progressive ideas for the strengthening of CARICOM led to many initiatives which redounded to the enhancement of the sense of community among our Member States.
His colleague Heads of Government were appreciative of the calm and unruffled manner in which he conducted himself as a member of the Conference whether at Community meetings or in interaction between CARICOM and Third States. His willingness to share his country’s expertise to assist other Member States was just another manifestation of his dedication to integration.
Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean Community have lost a truly remarkable man who has left a legacy of committed service to country and Region. I extend sincere condolences to his wife and family as well as the Government and People of Trinidad and Tobago.