Former Prime Minister plans seven-day walk to protest suspension

San Fernando: Former prime minister Patrick Manning will embark on a seven-day walk from Port-of-Spain in north Trinidad to San Fernando in the south, to highlight his concerns and that of his constituents over his suspension from Parliament.

Mr Manning will begin the march on Wednesday May 25th, walking from different areas each day. His constituency office issued the following statement this afternoon.

"The constituency of San Fernando East would like to advise all members of the Public that our MP, the Hon. Patrick Manning will embark on a walk from the Red House in Port of Spain to San Fernando. This walk is in protest of the conduct of the Government and has been approved by the Executive of the constituency.

Over the last twelve months, Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago have had to endure the arbitrary actions of an incompetent, highhanded, arrogant and abusive Government that has taken the view that its majority in Parliament is a licence to take unfair advantage of the people of this Nation. The situation is now overbearing.

Over 5000 thousand contract officers within the Public Service have lost their jobs. CEPEP contractors are being dismissed summarily with the consequence that hundreds of families are being put on the bread line. UTT lecturers and students are under threat. Indeed, the very institution is being undermined and sabotaged as though preparation is being made for its closure. URP workers have to fight for survival in the face of a Government bulldozer.

The Clico Policy holders and depositors are being taken, unfairly and unjustly, for a ride to nowhere. Many others in the society are experiencing the pain of an uncaring and callous Government. The Parliament has now become the Government’s latest victim. This Government has no regard for process. They do as they please. In the view of the UNC, Might is Right.

Mr. Manning’s walk is intended to declare and make it absolutely clear that in this country “We stand for Justice and Democracy” and with the evidence of Government’s abuse in Trinidad and Tobago, “We not taking that!” The walk will draw the attention of the entire population to the injustice of the Government. It is to champion the cause of those whom have been unfairly treated and disenfranchised by this UNC Administration of Kamla Persad Bissessar. Mr. Manning will fight against their unjust, unfair, highhanded, undemocratic, divisive and corrupt rule.

The protest is a clarion call for all citizens who are fed up with the lies, untruths and corruption in one (1) short year to take a stand. This is a fight for what is right and equal for all people in Trinidad and Tobago. Members of the San Fernando East Constituency, PNM supporters, other interest groups, stakeholders, the youth and conscientious citizens must be willing to stand up and be counted.

Mr. Manning proposes to walk from Port of Spain to San Fernando over a period of seven days beginning on Wednesday 25th May, 2011. Each day, Mr. Manning will commence walking at 3pm. The first sector of the walk, starts at The Red House, Knox Street and ends at the Croisee, San Juan. On Thursday, the second sector will start at the Croisee and end at the Nestle intersection. The third sector leads to Endeavour, Chaguanas. The fourth, on Saturday takes Mr. Manning to Freeport. The fifth sector is on Sunday and ends at Claxton Bay. On Monday the sixth sector arrives at Tarouba. Finally, on the seventh day, Mr. Manning will walk from Tarouba to Harris Promenade where there will be a Mass Public Meeting. The meeting will start at 7pm on Tuesday 31st May, 2011.

San Fernando East believes that at this time, it is imperative that the voices of our Citizens be heard. We must take a strong stand against the excesses of an oppressive UNC regime that has no regard for equality, fair-play and justice. They are prepared to trample on the rights of any citizen. Further, they are prepared to say anything, with no respect to the truth whatsoever, to defend their indefensible acts. It is time for all to stand against the injustice of this Government.