(Trinidad Express) Opposition Leader and Political Leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM), Dr Keith Rowley, did not get to see his former prime minister Patrick Manning at the Intensive Care Unit of the San Fernando General Hospital last evening.
Rowley, who went to the hospital shortly before 4 p.m., said that at the time he visited “they (doctors) were working on him. He had fallen asleep”.
Rowley had stopped off at the hospital while on his way to a walkabout in Moruga. Rowley said he spoke with hospital officials before leaving.
Asked by reporters about his arrival at hospital hours after other friends, relatives and political colleagues had visited, Rowley said, “I came at the most appropriate moment.”
He said of Manning: “I think the country is keeping our fingers crossed that everything will go well and he will be back to a satisfactory condition. We are certainly calling for God’s guidance and intervention. There’s not much more that we can do. I can tell you that the report I am getting on his care is excellent. All the reports I am receiving is that he is getting the best care and that’s the best that we can do and hope for the best.”
There has been an outpouring of concern and sympathy across the country for Manning, who was taken to the hospital on Monday night after his wife Hazel realised he was unwell.
He arrived at hospital at around 9.10 p.m. and and by midnight, visitors were streaming into the Accident and Emergency Department to get information on his condition.
Among the midnight visitors were Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma and Gary Hunt.
Former prime minister Basdeo Panday and his daughter, Mickela, also turned up at the hospital around midday yesterday.
Panday told reporters, “I think he was a bit surprised to see me there. I am very sorry that he is ill and I do hope that he will recover rather quickly and I told him that.”
Panday said his and Manning’s relationship as political opponents extended for many years, but they remained friendly.
“Mr Manning and I have been political opponents for a very long time,” said Panday.
“I think we were the longest serving members of Parliament at one time. But the fact that we were political opponents did not affect us as human beings. We remained on friendly terms as human beings. We carried out political battles all the time. When I heard he was ill I thought I would come and visit him. I spoke to the family to find out if it was permissible that I do so, and they agreed.”
Mickela said she hoped “Uncle Patrick” gets better soon.
Other visitors included PNM Member of Parliament Dr Amery Browne and PNM Senator Faris Al-Rawi.
Browne told reporters that the former prime minister was “doing well”, “responsive” and “alert”.
“I can tell you his mood is confident, he is strong, he is a fighter as usual. He had indicated that he is okay. He is feeling okay and he is confident,” Browne said.
“Of course he is under medication, so a little bit sedated but fully aware of what is going on. But with a stroke, the next few days are crucial. And prayers and support are vital at this time,” said Browne.
