Opposition Whip Marlene McDonald says if former prime minister and San Fernando East MP Patrick Manning believed he could properly serve constituents, then he had every right to be part of the screening process. She was speaking to the media yesterday after the opening of the Credo Centre, Nelson Street, Port-of-Spain. The centre is a home and drop-in centre for socially displaced boys.
“If Mr Manning believes he has the wherewithal to serve, then the Constitution gives him such right,” McDonald said. Earlier this week, former Chaguanas East MP Mustapha Abdul-Hamid told San Fernando East constituents Manning had said if his health was good and the constituency approached him, he would consider contesting the seat.
“The policy of the PNM and our constitution is very clear that once you receive one nomination, you are entitled to be screened, whether you are fit or unfit will be determined by the screening committee, meeting together collectively,” McDonald said. Manning has not spoken in Parliament since his stroke in January 2012. McDonald could not recall whether he had voted on any recent legislation.
She refused to comment on his physical ability to represent San Fernando East in Parliament but said his constituents had the answer. She said: “When they selected Mr Manning and Mr Manning went through the screening process, I believe they were satisfied and they voted resoundingly for Mr Manning, and from where I sit, I think that Mr Manning represented his constituents very well.
“Who will determine whether he continues would be his constituents and the screening committee.” Over the years, she added, Manning had been a very worthy MP and his constituency was one of the most formidable. The party’s screening committee is set to meet on December 1 to consider nominees for the seat.