PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Tributes have been pouring in for former Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, Patrick Manning, who died in his native Tobago Saturday morning, after suffering from cancer of the blood. He was 69.

Jamaica’s political leaders have joined those inside and outside of the Caribbean in hailing the life of the statesman.

On Friday, his wife, Hazel Manning — a former education minister — confirmed that her husband had been suffering from Acute Myeloid Leukemia and was “being prepared to undergo treatment”.

A statement posted on his Facebook page, noted that “at 8:15 am today, Former Prime Minister Patrick Augustus Mervyn Manning passed away peacefully at the San Fernando General Hospital after battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

“Former Prime Minister Manning was surrounded by his family and loved ones. The Manning family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, love and support during this trying time.

“Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.”

Manning who served as prime minister on two occasions, between 1991-2010 and in 2012, suffered a stroke and received medical attention in the United States. He did not contest the September 7, 2015 General Election.

Manning’s rival party, the Independent Liberal Party (ILP) was also one of the first organisations to extend its condolences.

“The ILP joins with the national community in mourning the passing of former Prime Minister and former Political Leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM).

“Manning devoted 44 years of his life to national service, during which time he served as one of this country’s most senior and veteran legislators, and also as Prime Minister for approximately 14 years. His impact on the development and direction of our twin-island nation and people is therefore indelibly etched into our history and will not be forgotten. We pause, therefore, to reflect on his life and his contribution to the shaping of the lives of all citizens and our society,” the ILP said.

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning died early Saturday after being diagnosed with blood cancer. He was 69.