Dear Editor,

As Trinidad and Tobago comes to term with the reality that one of our longest-servicing public servants has passed, it is my humble opinion that one of the greatest tributes we can pay to the late Patrick Manning is to understand his continued working on realising his vision. After decades in our nation’s Parliament, Manning understood, perhaps better than most, the milestones that must be achieved if we are to be considered developed. Now is a good time to reflect on what those milestones were.

He understood that, without infrastructure, progress can be very limited. His vision was realised with the construction of the waterfront buildings, saving the National Academy for the Performing Arts the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts, and the Government campus. He recognised that no nation can be considered very productive if thousands of hours are lost daily in traffic. He also understood that building more roads was only part of the solution, there needed to be a mass transit service. Thus, the rapid rail was his solution. He understood the need for housing and perhaps constructed more houses than any other prime minister in our recent history. His vision for infrastructure ought to be evaluated, revised and implemented.

Manning understood that it was not good sense to rely almost exclusively on the sale of oil and gas. In such light his vision involved downstream industries like aluminium smelter plants. He, together with his experts, built technology parks and sought to capitalise on the widening of the Panama Canal by providing service to cargo ships through a modern port in LaBrea. His vision included widening the field of education through the University of Trinidad & Tobago to include the arts and technical skills. All of these initiatives were to position Trinidad & Tobago to be competitive in a world that was quickly changing with new technological developments at a rapid pace.

His vision also incorporated a change in the system of management and included revision to the tax structure, local government, and the Parliament. Many of the things he wanted to see are still required today.

No one knows what happens after one passes on, but one can assume that nothing can be more pleasing for a soul than to know that he or she positively contributed to the development of mankind, and moreover that his/her contribution continues to bear fruit after they are gone.

Rest in peace, Patrick Manning, our nation thanks you for your service. We hope that the baton is passed on and the race continues.

Steve Alvarez

Trinidad and Tobago

bilcoa@hotmail.com