Manning promises ‘righteous’ Government

Manning began by saying that TT’s economy doubled from a gross domestic product (GDP) of $55 billion in 2001 to the current GDP of $101 billion, and projected a GDP of $112 billion next year. He said unemployment fell from 20 percent in 1991 to 6.7 percent, and would likely fall to zero.

He admitted, however, that the country faces some challenges, “Not just crime. Crime is just a manifestation of a deeper underlying problem. The problem in my respectful view is essentially a breakdown in family life.” The audience murmured its agreement.

Manning said the country had seen many different things being tried. “There’s been one thing we haven’t tried. I will share with you a secret this evening: ‘Righteous leader, prosperous nation’.”

The congregation clapped.

“If that had not been tried before, let me advise you it is being tried now.”

The Prime Minister said his spiritual grounding took place on 31 December 1987 at Woodbrook Pentecostal Church with Pastor Nelson officiating. He said that was when he and his wife, Education Minister Hazel Manning became born-again Christians.

Later in the evening Bahamian televangelist Dr Myles Munroe echoed Manning by saying that it was insufficient to have just “good government.” What was crucial was “good, righteous government.”

Munroe later told Sunday Newsday the original Greek word for “prosperity” referred not just to money but also included the idea of peace.

Former president Arthur NR Robinson, UNC political leader Winston Dookeran, Minister of Trade Ken Valley and Port-of-Spain South MP Eric Williams attended the service.