Patrick Manning - Definition and Overview

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 mainly draws on the support of Trinidadians of African origin. The supporters of the opposition are predominantly of Indo-Trinidadian origin.

See also: List of national leaders