Manning’s son at UNC elections

Manning, a former Prime Minister, is currently abroad undergoing medical treatment after he suffered a stroke earlier this year. His son David visited the constituency office of Oropouche East Member of Parliament Dr Roodal Moonilal, on Saturday night.

At the time, the UNC offices located in Debe Village were abuzz with activity for the celebration of Moonilal returning as Political Leader of the UNC and also for his slate The Nationalists, winning every seat they contested.

The younger Manning was seen walking into the constituency office at about 9.30 pm. He greeted Moonilal and proceeded to greet other UNC activists before posing for photos with Moonilal and victorious Deputy Political Leader Marlene Coudray.

The younger Manning told Newsday that he was a “mere casual observer” of the UNC elections saying he was in Debe Village liming with a friend and decided to drop by and see Moonilal.

He added that the visit should not be interpreted as him changing his political affiliation as a member of the People’s National Movement (PNM). A man who watched as Manning shook hands with Moonilal, quipped, “It seems the UNC trying to poach a Manning.” This was in reference to Congress of the People (COP) claims that their former member, San Fernando Mayor Marlene Coudray, had been poached when she announced she was joining the UNC.

Coudray was also in winner’s row being elected to one of three Deputy Political Leader posts in the elections.

Commenting on the health condition of his father, David said that Manning was recently discharged from a hospital in New York and is expected back in the country by the end of next month. “His speech is fine. His therapy may have been discontinued but I am not sure of that. I think he walks with a cane. I haven’t seen him since he left (Trinidad). He is staying with relatives in Maryland,” David said.

On David’s visit, Moonilal said, “Firstly, I want to say that David was not poached into coming here. His visit was not political and I think it was a private one. He just came to wish us well. San Fernando politics is a bit different.”