Patrick Manning Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Date of Birth: 17.08.1946 Country: Tobago

1. Education and Early Career
2. Entry into Politics
3. Parliamentary Service and Ministerial Roles
4. Cabinet Positions
5. Leader of the Opposition
6. Premiership
7. Electoral Challenges
8. Second Term as Prime Minister
9. Economic Growth and Social Challenges
10. Crime and Controversy
11. Third Term as Prime Minister
12. Health Concerns

Education and Early Career

Patrick Augustus Mervyn Manning was born in Trinidad and Tobago on August 17, 1946. He attended San Fernando Secondary School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the West Indies, Jamaica in 1969. Upon graduating, he returned to Trinidad and worked as a geologist.

Entry into Politics

Manning began his political career in 1971 when he became the Member of Parliament for the San Fernando constituency.

Parliamentary Service and Ministerial Roles

From 1971 to 1978, Manning served as Parliamentary Secretary in various ministries before being appointed Deputy Minister of Finance. In 1979, he became a Junior Minister in the Prime Minister's Office.

Cabinet Positions

In 1981, Manning joined the Cabinet as Minister of Information and Minister of Industry and Commerce. From 1981 to 1986, he held the post of Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

Leader of the Opposition

In the 1986 general election, the governing People's National Movement (PNM) was defeated. Manning emerged as the Leader of the Opposition, one of three successful PNM candidates. In 1987, he assumed the position of Political Leader of the PNM.

Premiership

A split in the governing party led to Manning's PNM winning the 1991 elections, and he took office as Prime Minister on December 17, 1991.

Electoral Challenges

The PNM lost the 1995 elections, and Manning became the Leader of the Opposition once more. A similar pattern occurred in 2000. In 2001, despite a tie in the elections, Manning was appointed Prime Minister by President Robinson. In 2002, his PNM party won a majority in the general election.

Second Term as Prime Minister

Manning's second term was marked by significant policy initiatives, including income tax reductions and the establishment of free tertiary education for all citizens via the newly founded University of Trinidad & Tobago.

Economic Growth and Social Challenges

The economy experienced rapid growth, driven by high natural gas and oil prices, which led to substantial increases in production. However, social problems also escalated during Manning's second term. Unemployment reached record highs, and the influx of cheap Chinese labor exacerbated the situation.

Crime and Controversy

Major crimes, including murder, rape, and kidnapping, increased significantly between 2002 and 2006. The government's inability to curb the rising crime rate sparked widespread public dissatisfaction. During this time, Trinidad and Tobago ranked among the top ten countries with the highest crime rates globally. Additionally, two Members of Parliament from Manning's party were accused of corruption.

Third Term as Prime Minister

The PNM won the 2007 general election, and Manning began his third term as Prime Minister.

Health Concerns

In December 2008, Manning announced that he had been diagnosed with a malignant tumor on his left kidney. He returned to office in January 2009 following surgery in Cuba.