Manning mum on Trinity Cross

Last Friday Justice Peter Jamadhar ruled that the Trinity Cross should be changed to a more inclusive medal because it breaches the National Constitution as it is discriminatory to non-Christians like Hindus and Muslims.

Also on Friday Maha Sabha president-general, Thribhawon Seegobin, urged Manning to change the Trinity Cross, telling an Indian Arrival Day dinner at Crowne Plaza that in 2005 Manning had told a Maha Sabha delegation that he would “respond” if the group wins in court.

When Newsday approached Manning on Friday evening, he said he had to first study the court judgment.

He explained: “There are some conflicting things coming out of there.”

Newsday approached several other statesmen at the Central Bank event.

Former president Arthur NR Robinson said he was not familiar with the court ruling, and quipped: “The judge has said it. I don’t argue with judges.”

President George Maxwell Richards, who presents national awards like the Trinity Cross at the Independence Day celebrations at Presidents House, declined to offer an opinion, saying: “I don’t think now is the appropriate time to talk about that.”

Erica Williams-Connell, daughter of Trinidad and Tobago’s first prime minister Dr Eric-Williams, declined comment.