The body of former Prime Minister Patrick Manning was taken to the National Academy for Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port-of-Spain on Friday, where it will lie in state until 6p.m.
The casket bearing Manning’s remains was removed from Belgroves Funeral Home, San Fernando, and transported to the capital city, where people lined the street to view the procession by members of the Defence Force.
The casket, draped in the Trinidad and Tobago flag, was taken to NAPA where it was opened for viewing.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley was the first to view Manning’s body. He was followed by members of the Government, including Attorney General Faris Al Rawi, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young, Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture Avinash Singh. House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George and others.
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Chief Justice Ivor Archie were also present.
Even before the casket arrived at NAPA thousands of people, including school children, were already lined up and waiting to get a glimpse of the three-time prime minister for the last time.
On Thursday, thousands of people filed past Manning’s coffin, some in tears, at the Southern Academy for Performing Arts (SAPA) in San Fernando.
Manning, 69, died at the San Fernando General Hospital last Saturday, days after he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia – a form of bone marrow cancer.
Manning would be laid to rest following a funeral service at the Trinity Cathedral in Port-of-Spain on Saturday.
Source: Trinidad Express
