PNM leader Keith Rowley says former leader Patrick Manning ignored an invitation from the PNM’s general secretary to meet at party headquarters and any meeting between himself and Manning could never be a substitute for the general secretary’s request. Rowley gave this written reply after reporters sent him a note on Manning’s December 3 request for a five-minute meeting in the Parliament yesterday.
The stalemate was the latest in tensions between the former and present PNM leaders after Rowley spoke with Manning on November 7 about nominations for San Fernando East.
A meeting Manning was expected to have with him on the issue last week Monday didn’t happen as Rowley was overseas. Manning’s spokesman, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, then hinted Manning might be interested in contesting the seat, health allowing. Manning was later asked to attend a PNM national executive meeting on Wednesday but didn’t show up.
Yesterday Manning released his December 3 letter to Rowley after PNM officials, including general secretary Ashton Ford, commented negatively when Manning failed to attend Wednesday’s meeting. Ford said the ball was now in Manning’s court.
In his letter Manning said he had no reply from Rowley to his November 26 letter.
Manning added: “As I had suggested then this matter can be easily resolved. Therefore I would like to suggest to you that in accordance with our agreement when we met on November 7, that we continue our meeting on December 5 in the Parliament Chamber.
“Our meeting should last no longer than five minutes. At that time I will give you a proposal I am sure can resolve the issue. As always, I have the PNM’s best interest at heart and will do my part to ensure it prevails. I look forward to seeing you in the Parliament Chamber on Friday December 5.” It was signed “Patrick Manning, MP, San Fernando East constituency.”