Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Amid growing rumours of an alleged plot to remove him from the San Fernando East seat—once held by his father, the late Patrick Manning—Brian Manning says he remains focused on his work and his constituents.
Manning, a Minister in the Ministry of Finance and qualified international financial analyst, was speaking to Guardian Media following an allegation by political analyst Dr Shane Mohammed that certain high-ranking People’s National Movement members were trying to oust him.
In response to the allegation, Manning said, “This is election season; rumours and conspiracy theories are going to abound. My teams and I remain grounded and with the people. The Mannings have one purpose—to work with and support the people. My complete focus is on delivering to the people of San Fernando East.”
However, party insiders confirmed the attack against Manning seemed to be coming from a high-ranking party member who felt threatened by Manning’s popularity. The insider said Manning has been deeply involved in community outreach since taking office, as he tries to walk in his father’s footsteps to improve conditions for his constituents.
Among the initiatives launched by Manning, as listed by his office, were community outreach programmes started in 2022 aimed at giving residents a platform to voice concerns. These outreaches, held in community centres across nine neighbourhoods, brought government services to the people.
However, when Guardian Media conducted interviews in his constituency, there was mixed feedback.
Andre Pascal, from Pleasantville, expressed frustration, saying, “So far, in Pleasantville, no work, no jobs, not fixing drainage, not helping poor people in the land. Rowley in power, they’re squandering the money.”
He added, “Brian, step up your game.”
Frankie Cooper, another resident, recognised Manning’s efforts and his limitations.
“He does pass around here plenty; he’s always passing around.”
However, the question for many residents was whether Manning had any power, as he was not a member of Dr Keith Rowley’s Cabinet and had limited influence.
Cooper added, “As far as I’m concerned, I don’t feel he did his best. Out of 100, I give him 50. He didn’t perform enough to get through the next five years.” Residents, however, admit Manning’s wings seem to have been clipped, as he is “kept in a corner” and it was unfair.
Jason King echoed similar sentiments, pointing to the legacy of Manning’s father.
“Brian Manning is a good soldier, but I still find he didn’t do much for Pleasantville people like how his father did for us. Patrick is a Godfather. Patrick Manning was the longest-serving MP of San Fernando East and residents said they benefitted from that honour.
“Brian, you better step up your game; else they will get rid of you,” King warned.
However, not all the feedback was negative. Kelvin Ramkhellawan said Brian Manning has been devoted to his constituents.
“He does help out people. He’s a good one. As long as you get in touch with him, he will help you,” Ramkhellawan said.
He acknowledged a change in leadership could be challenging but expressed faith in Manning’s current efforts.
“If somebody could do better than him, it’s okay. But right now, he’s trying to help people. There will be backlash for the PNM if they remove him,” he added. “San Fernando East and other PNM strongholds are placed last in the order of needs, especially when it comes to allocating scarce resources. Resources go to marginals—the cabinet ministers have more influence,” another resident explained, pointing out that it was apparent the PNM benefited from using the Manning name but was keeping him out of positions of power.
Manning’s office confirmed he conducted more than 100 walkabouts in his constituency, provided over 600 back-to-school packages to children, hundreds of hampers to support low- and middle-income families, a basketball programme that engages over 300 children from the community.