Prime Minister Manning honoured in New York

PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning was honoured last night at the Grand Prospect Hall, Brooklyn, New York, for his unwavering commitment to democracy and good governance when he received the first ever “Democracy Prize” from the Guyana Institute for Democracy. In explaining Manning’s selection for the award, GID president Rickford Burke recalled that even during his spells in Opposition in 1986 and in 1995, Manning “continued to provide indefatigable national and party leadership.” Burke said throughout his political career, Manning has always demonstrated a strong commitment to an open society, good governance, the rule of law and human rights.

“We believe that his pragmatic policies, coupled with his Government’s 2020 blueprint for Trinidad and Tobago and which incorporates the development of the region, constitute a progressive agenda that can beget further economic, social, national and regional renewal at this time,” he declared. Several other dignitaries were honoured at last night’s ceremony including former Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) director general and UWI chancellor Dr George Alleyne, general and vascular surgeon Dr Noel Blackman and Rev Michael Bacchus, pastor of the Full Gospel Assembly Church. During the ceremony, the Prime Minister met with New York Governor George E Pataki, Bahamian Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia Pratt and other senior New York officials and representatives from Caribbean governments. Manning also received proclamations from the United States Congress, New York Senate, New York City Council and the Boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. The Prime Minister returns home today, but leaves on Monday for a series of engagements in the United States over the next five days.