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Patrick Manning

Patrick Augustus Mervyn Manning (born August 17, 1946) is the current Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. He has been Prime Minister twice – previously from 17 December 1991 to 9 November 1995 and currently since 24 December 2001.

A geologist by training, Patrick Manning received his secondary education at Presentation College , San Fernando and a Bachelor's Degree from the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica in 1969. After graduation he returned to Trinidad where he worked as a geologist for Texaco. He entered Parliament in 1971 representing the San Fernando East seat.

As one of only three People's National Movement candidates who won their seats in the 1986 general elections, Manning was appointed Leader of the Opposition. He was later elected Party Leader. Under his leadership the PNM won the 1991 General Elections, and lost them in 1995 and 2000. The 2001 elections ended in a tie, with both the Opposition PNM and the governing United National Congress winning 18 seats each. Breaking with Parliamentary tradition, President Arthur N.R. Robinson appointed Manning Prime Minister. However, he was unable to elect a Speaker and was thus forced to call elections again in October 2002. His party won this elections and formed the new government. He appointed his wife, Hazel Manning, as the Minister of Education. Since his election, crime and murders have hit new highs. The escalating kidnapping rate against Indians has continued to draw severe criticism against his government. His party mainly draws on the support of Trinidadians of African origin. The supporters of the opposition are predominantly of Indo-Trinidadian origin.

The increased revenue brought in by oil and gas has increased government spending tremendously. Controversal work programs and other large scale spending measures have resulted in increased wealth in Trinidad.

Preceded by:
A.N.R. Robinson
Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Succeeded by:
Basdeo Panday
Preceded by:
Basdeo Panday
Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Succeeded by:
incumbent

See also: List of national leaders

Last updated: 05-23-2005 09:22:13