Rowley tells Manning: Well done, savour your life's workhttp://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Rowley-tells-Manning-Well-done-savour-your-lifes-work-291876941.htmlBy the Multimedia Desk
POLITICAL leader of the Peoples National Movement (PNM) Dr Keith Rowley on Friday wrote to outgoing Member of Parliament for San Fernando East Patrick Manning, praising his political service which will come to an end when at the end when the general election is called.
Manning on Monday decided not to offer himself for screening for the seat he has held since 1971, citing ill health. He wrote to Rowley on Tuesday explaining his reasons. Rowley replied today. The following is his letter -
13th February 2015
The Honourable Patrick Manning
Member of Parliament
San Fernando East Constituency
Dear Mr. Manning
Thank you very much for taking the time to record the contents of your letter to me, dated 10th February 2015. It is with a sense of deep reflection that I received this very historical missive which now forms a significant part of our Party’s records, pointing to a period of remarkable service which is inevitably coming to an end.
In a country where cynicism usually trumps the flight of the positive spirit, where public service is frequently sneered at by many who have never deigned to participate, you more than any of us know the challenges of the path, punctuated by the inevitable highs and lows. When all is said and done, we of the PNM, and I dare say of all Trinidad and Tobago, can only confirm to you that you have fought the good fights and more importantly you steadfastly kept faith in our country and all our people as you finish your course with the respect and affection which you richly deserve.
We fully understand the personal challenges and your current circumstances and are pleased to learn that you are making considerable progress towards what we hope will be as full a recovery as possible.
In the mean time we will carry the fight as you would have us do as our Party transitions to the next generation of public-spirited inductees and as our country stands strong to become well governed in the face of the stern tests of the local, regional and international arenas.
On behalf of the national Executive of the People’s National Movement (PNM), the entire membership, supporters and well-wishers, on my own behalf and that of my family and our mutual friends and associates, I hold out to you our sincerest thanks and best wishes for a future filled with satisfaction, as you savour your life’s work and the contributions you personally made to Trinidad and Tobago, a place you will leave much better than when you took the responsibility to serve it for as long and as meritoriously as you did.
Once again, I say, may God bless you and your family and may God continue to richly bless us all, the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Keith Rowley, MP
Political Leader
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