Former Trinidad and Tobago prime minister Patrick Manning died early Saturday after being diagnosed with blood cancer. He was 69.
In its first reaction to the news of Manning’s death, the CARICOM Secretariat tweeted: “Sad day for CARICOM. Former PM Patrick Manning, one of its true champions has fallen. His contribution in health&security will not be forgotten”
On Friday, Manning’s wife, Hazel, a former education minister, confirmed that her husband had been suffering from Acute Myeloid Leukemia and was “being prepared to undergo treatment”.
A statement posted on his Facebook page, noted that “at 8:15AM today, Former Prime Minister Patrick Augustus Mervyn Manning passed away peacefully at the San Fernando General Hospital after battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
“Former Prime Minister Manning was surrounded by his family and loved ones. The Manning family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, love and support during this trying time.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.”
Manning who served as prime minister on two occasions; between 1991-2010 and in 2012, suffered a stroke and received medical attention in the United States. He did not contest the September 7, 2015 general election.
The CARICOM heads who are expected to be in Guyana from July 4-6 for the 37th Regular Meeting are expected to issue a more detailed statement on Manning’s contribution to the Region and the regional integration process as a whole.
