THE relatives of former Prime Minister Patrick Manning must be congratulated for their openness with the public and the media on the developments surrounding his hospitalisation with what was described as a “mild stroke”.
Their willingness to keep the media apprised of all developments would have gone some way in assuaging public concern as well as setting a standard which should be expected of all persons holding public office.
It is unfortunate, however, that an issue should have arisen over those persons wishing to simply visit and pay respects to the MP for San Fernando East. As the country’s second longest serving prime minister, its longest serving MP and the erstwhile political leader of the country’s oldest political party, Patrick Manning has virtually lived all his life in politics.
Regardless of their political persuasions, however, there is hardly anyone who would deny Manning’s contribution to the development of Trinidad and Tobago and who would not wish him a speedy recovery from his present medical challenges. His well-wishers, regardless of political history should be seen in that light.
More than any other political leader in this country Manning, by example even more than words, demonstrated a commitment to healthy living by promoting his daily exercise regimen, and more recently abstention from alcohol and cigarettes. Unlike previous leaders also, he has been remarkably open about his health challenges, scandalising some when, on return from surgery for pancreatic cancer in 2008, he lifted his shirt to reveal his scars. Given his commitment to a healthy lifestyle and access to the best health care as a result of his long stay in high office, his sudden major illness would have taken the country, friend and foe alike, very much by surprise.
It is not surprising therefore that many wished to extend their best wishes to the former prime minister and his relatives, pray with him, visit him and in other ways commiserate with his relatives. Of course this could be very demanding on his family, not to mention on Manning himself who is battling a major health challenge despite the positive and encouraging signs of recovery to date. He needs all the rest he can get if he is to fully recover as doctors have suggested is quite possible.
It is regrettable therefore that the outpouring of well-wishes and goodwill which accompanied news of Manning’s hospitalization has been intruded upon by political considerations of who should be allowed to see him and unfortunate aspersions being cast on the motives of those wishing to show respect to one of the country’s most prominent leaders.
Following his decision to choose a political life, the Manning family would have had to deal with the difficulties of sharing his private responsibilities with his public obligations. That cannot be easy, especially under the current circumstances.
Perhaps by way of explanation and apology Hazel Manning last Thursday said:
“There was an incident where politicians have gotten a sense that we are not happy, but that is not the case. We have never been in a situation like this and it is a little distressed and tense and you have to excuse us.”
Brian Manning has also accused the Guardian, which attributed some cynical remarks at those attempting to visit his father, of misquoting him.
Still, it must have been an affront for both the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader to have been turned away. Hopefully, Dr Keith Rowley, will be able to overlook his perceived slight and what has been the public embarrassment of being denied access at the San Fernando General Hospital. A similar fate also befell Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar who expressed an interest in visiting her predecessor but also took the disappointment in stride.
The good news is that Manning is recovering and readying himself for future political battles. Until that recovery is complete his health should remain outside the political fray.
