ttgapers.com

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning has claimed that there was a plot to assassinate him last year. The plot was averted and citizens of the twin island republic are wondering why the news did not surface earlier. Manning claims that the plot was revealed to his wife, Local Government Minister Hazel Manning.

Manning made the announcement last night claiming the plan was to assassinate him on the anniversary of the 1990 coup in Trinidad where the Jamaat al Muslimeen attempted to overthrow the government. Manning said, “One year ago, on the morning of Saturday July 26, when the Minister of Local Government and myself were on the way to our gym at 3.30 in the morning, a marked police vehicle sought to peel off the final vehicle in our (security) detail. We had one unmarked car in which we were travelling and there were two jeeps behind us, so everybody knew it was the Prime Minister’s detail.”

He added: “A marked police vehicle came and made an attempt to peel off the final jeep in our detail.” Manning said the vehicle in the security detail refused to be peeled off “and to be separated from the rest of the (security) detail (and) all kinds of scuffles ensued, which caused us to abort our mission that morning and to return home very quickly.” He said: “What has not been said on this matter before is that two days before that, someone walked into the office of the Minister of Local Government and told her that a certain organisation in this country was about to make an attempt to assassinate the Prime Minister. 

“That is what the Prime Minister knew that morning.” Manning said: “Fortunately for us we did not report it at the time.” He said: “Had it been reported, I assure you, there would have been bloodshed that morning and certain people would have been killed, there is no question about it.” Manning said he thanked God that the threat was not reported then. He said:“The Prime Minister has confidence in his security detail who have put their lives on the line to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago remains a democratic and progressive society. We subscribe to the ballot not the bullet.” He said his Government would use all resources available to ensure Trinidad and Tobago remains a peaceful nation.

Citizens are reacting to the claim with mostly disbelief, while others beleive the Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister is delusional and senile. According to one, “ I dont think anyone in Trinidad is dumb enough to even attempt to assissinate the PM, no matter how bad he is running the country. The PM is again trying to deflect attention from the crime situation.”

Another person is claiming this might be mischief by Manning, as a similar story was reported in the Trinidad Express on November 30, 2008 where PC Auguste was charged after apprehending the Prime Minister’s motorcade and being told, “do you know who you talking to?”