CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque on Saturday paid tribute, on behalf of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, at the state funeral for former Prime Minister Mr. Patrick Manning.
The Tribute was drafted at the just concluded 37th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Guyana, at which all Member States were represented.
See full tribute: TRIBUTE TO MR. PATRICK MANNING
Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community expressed their deep sadness at the passing of the former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr Patrick Manning, who died on Saturday 2 July 2016 just prior to the Meeting of Conference.
Mr. Manning displayed the finest qualities of regionalism and had an unswerving commitment to building his country and the wider CARICOM. His progressive ideas for strengthening the regional integration movement led to many initiatives which redounded to the enhancement of the sense and spirit of community among our Member States.
Mr Manning’s genuine desire to create a more equitable Community led to such initiatives as the Petroleum Stabilisation Fund which he established as a facility to provide Member States with financial assistance. This was a tangible demonstration of goodwill to and solidarity with Member States faced with high oil prices from which his country benefitted.
His view of Trinidad and Tobago’s role in CARICOM went beyond the financial as he routinely rendered unselfish and immediate support to Member States in times of natural disasters.
As Lead Prime Minister for Security in the CARICOM quasi-cabinet, he oversaw the security arrangements for the Cricket World Cup 2007 and his proposals led to the formation of the CARICOM Task Force on Crime and Security. The implementation of its recommendations improved the nature and quality of co-operation in that area leading to the establishment of very important agencies and institutions which continue to serve and protect the Community’s security interests. It also resulted in Security Co-operation being adopted as the fourth pillar of our integration movement.
Mr Manning’s deep concern about the ravages of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, as highlighted by the Region’s experts, led to the historic regional summit on the issue. As we approach the 10th Anniversary of the Port-of-Spain Declaration on NCDs, we recall that his vision of the dangers posed by these scourges spurred the Community to be at the forefront of a successful proposal for a United Nations High Level Meeting on NCDs.
His humanity and personal interest in the well-being of others were outstanding attributes of his character and were highly appreciated by all, both within and outside the Community. His invaluable contribution to our Community stemmed from his conviction that integration was the most viable option for the sustainable development of our small states and the improvement of the lives of our people.
Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean Community have lost a truly remarkable person and statesman whose legacy of committed service to country and Region left an indelible mark on the history of this Region and will remain a treasured memory.
Heads of Government expressed their deepest condolences to the family of Mr Manning and the Government and People of Trinidad and Tobago.
See some photo highlights of the funeral below:
for full descriptions of photos click here
