Following the resignations of two San Fernando East constituency executive members last week, Member of Parliament Brian Manning yesterday renewed his call for concerns over its chairman to be addressed.Responding to questions from the Sunday Express, Manning acknowledged the resignation of two executive members, who he said made the decision to do so following the release of a “unilateral” press statement that was published by the Executive on the People’s National Movement San Fernando East Facebook page.
Concerns raised: Patricia Alexis
The statement was posted on August 20, despite party executives urging against public infighting. It criticised Manning in the aftermath of his public post raising concerns over the executive and its chairman, Patricia Alexis.Manning had previously expressed concern over the range of positions held by Alexis, who he said is the PNM’s assistant general secretary, a San Fernando East representative on the General Council, and a member of the party’s Central Executive.He said members had expressed concern the multiple roles could compromise impartial decision-making on constituency matters, and raised questions about an unannounced vacancy allegedly filled by a person connected to Alexis.Speaking with the Sunday Express yesterday, Manning said the issue was being misconstrued as an issue between himself and Alexis, but this was not the case.He said constituency members had indicated to him they were concerned about various issues pertaining to certain elements of the constituency executive.“Many of these issues involve the chairman of the constituency. The constituency is crying out for a chairman they can trust. It is my job as MP to report such matters to the national executive of the party and I have done just that,” he said.He also acknowledged a motion of no confidence reportedly brought against him, which he said had failed. “(It) was shouted down. It didn’t even get a vote because so many were against it,” he claimed.Following this, he said the statement was released, allegedly without the support of the executive who “were not informed until after it was released”. Executive members had submitted their resignations in protest of the unilateral statement, he stated.Manning added that he has used every avenue possible within the party to bring the matters to its leadership and they were simply ignored. The Sunday Express asked if he had received any communication from Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles on the matter. He responded, “No, the matter has been ignored for months.”Damaging allegationsThe statement issued by the Executive on Thursday noted Manning’s previous statements, adding that it would typically refrain from publicly discussing matters. However, it said Manning’s decision to name an executive officer and repeat damaging allegations required a firm response.It said Alexis had exercised restraint and submitted herself to the party’s processes, allowing its leadership to conduct its investigations.It said the party had confirmed it had established an investigative team that had met with Manning and Alexis, and that a comprehensive report had been submitted to the PNM’s leadership and general council.The statement said Manning could not demand due process while publicly undermining the process.It also referenced Manning’s late father, former prime minister Patrick Manning, stating, “(Patrick) Manning’s legacy was earned through discipline, service, accessibility and performance. That legacy cannot be reduced to a surname, nor can it be used as a shield against accountability. Heritage is not a substitute for leadership.“...San Fernando East is greater than any one officeholder, personality or surname. Our responsibility remains service to the people, loyalty to the Party and respect for the democratic institutions upon which the People’s National Movement was built.” The Sunday Express yesterday sought out Beckles to ask if she had contacted either Manning or Alexis on this matter. No immediate response was received.PNM chairman Marvin Gonzales has urged restraint in public statements from the parties involved in the issue.
