By Clint Chan Tack Wednesday, February 22 2012

FORMER Prime Minister Patrick Manning has extended his best wishes for Carnival 2012. Manning, 65, is currently receiving medical treatment at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington DC for a stroke which he suffered at his Sumadh Gardens home in Vistabella, San Fernando on January 23.

A post on Monday on Manning’s Facebook page, the former prime minister wished all citizens and visitors to Trinidad and Tobago “a safe and happy Carnival.”

Public relations officer of the San Fernando East constituency office, Wendy Lewis, told Newsday that Manning’s recovery was “progressing nicely.” “Each day is better than the day before,” she said.

Lewis said Manning’s wife Hazel remains in Washington DC at his side as he recuperates. She added there has been no word from Manning’s doctors as to when he would be able to return home.

Contacted on Monday, Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan said he has not received any update from Manning’s family about his condition. “I have not inquired. I consider it family confidentiality,” he said.

Asked whether Government stands ready to provide any additional assistance for Manning if required, Khan replied, “Always. As an ex-prime minister, it is his entitlement.”