A look into Manning’s life

The display is to honour the life of this country’s longest serving member of parliament and fourth and sixth Prime Minister.

It will also commemorate the first anniversary of his death and celebrate his birthday which would have occurred later this month.

Head of Technical Services/Special Collections at The University of Trinidad and Tobago, Janice Blake said the display is meant to give the public an opportunity to look into Manning’s life. “It’s about seeing his personal and professional life and understanding what it is like to be prime minister,” Blake said. “There is a whole other side than just running the country.” She said it aids in documenting the lives of those who served us. “What do we know about our past governors? Nothing.” Blake said in the future, our descendants can look at the artefacts and understand our history.

She said she expects a sizeable turnout. She is also expecting members of the Manning family and those who would have served with him to visit the exhibition.

Items on display include clothing, awards, photographs, newspaper clippings, Vision 20/20 documents and even a 400-year-old bible found in his office.

The exhibition can be viewed at the Adult Library, 1st Floor, National Library Building until August 31.

Viewing times are between 8.30am to 6pm weekdays and until 4pm on Saturdays.