Caricom Heads agree to honour contributions of former PM Manning – Secretariat flag to fly at half mast
Georgetown, GINA, July 7, 2016
The recently concluded 37th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) that was held in Georgetown saw heads agreeing to honour the contributions of Former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Patrick Manning.
Manning passed Saturday last, and the opening ceremony of the Conference of Heads which took place on July 4, saw heads paying their respects.
CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit at the closing press conference last evening, informed media operatives that the Heads during the Conference declared their sentiments on the passing of the former Prime Minister.
“We have approved a tribute to him and the Heads recognise his sterling contribution to not only his country Trinidad and Tobago, but the region,” Prime Minister Skerrit said.
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Leaders gathered in Georgetown for the 37th Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government Conference
He added that the Heads recalled a number of very important measures which were put in place by Manning.
“He is largely responsible for causing security to become the fourth pillar of the Caribbean Community and we have taken a decision at the Conference to have the flag at the Secretariat flown at half -mast on Friday and Saturday in recognition of the contribution the former Prime Minister made to the Caribbean community,” the CARICOM Chairman explained.
At the opening ceremony of the Conference, Manning was hailed as an outstanding son of the region who selflessly contributed to the integration movement.
CARICOM Secretary General Irwin La Rocque said that Manning served as a member of the Conference for a total of 15 years, during which time he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Community, via integration initiatives.
Current Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley said Manning’s passing represents an enormous loss to the community, country and the people of Trinidad.
Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves described Manning as one of the titans of the regional integration movement.
A moment of silence was observed in honour of his efforts towards regional integration and for the son of the region who entered politics in 1971 under the tutelage of Eric Williams.
Dominica’s flag will also fly at half-mast both Friday and Saturday, paying homage to a son of the region.