The Right Honorable Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, has won the Guyana Institute for Democracy’s (GID) prestigious “Democracy Prize.” Manning was selected from among a pool of nominees by an independent panel, headed by Brooklyn Lawyer Wayne Turner, which reviewed the nominations. The “Democracy Prize” was established by GID to honor and celebrate the incomparable contribution of Caribbean nationals, or others, to the promotion and practice of good governance, democratic values, human freedoms, social justice and national development in the Caribbean region. This historic Prize will be inaugurated and presented on to the Prime Minister on Friday, December 12, 2003, at GID’s Third Anniversary Dinner and Awards Ceremony at which Mr. Manning will be the Guest of Honor. New York Governor, George Pataki and Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Hon. Cynthia Pratt will be the featured speakers.

In an interview with Caribbean Vibe, GID President Rickford Burke observed that “democracy is vital to the well-being of a people. He stressed that it was in recognition of the importance of this dynamic way of life that "The Prize" was established to reward a person or organization most deserving of its prestige. Mr. Burke added that “The Democracy Prize” symbolizes the extraordinary contribution of the winner to the promotion and practice of democratic ideals. He called upon Caribbean-Americans and the people of the Caribbean Diaspora to pay homage to Prime Minister Manning, for his invaluable contribution to the enhancement of democracy in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean Region generally. The GID President noted that Mr. Manning has been on the cutting edge of globalization. He foresaw the benefits of global, strategic alliances and integrated societies way before other leaders began to grasp the full impact of geo-political and economic blocks, free trade zones and multi-literalism. The Manning Initiative which he conceptualized and proposed during his first tenure as Prime Minister embodied these core ideals and values.

Mr. Burke recounted the Prime Minister's commitment to the democratic process an pointed to the unprecedented deadlock which loomed over Trinidad and Tobago after the December 2001 elections resulted in the then ruling UNC and the opposition PNM both winning eighteen (18) seats each in the Parliament. Trinidad and Tobago’s constitution empowers the President to appoint the Prime Minister in such a state of affairs, Burke said. Consequently, President A.N.R Robinson in his wisdom appointed Mr. Patrick Manning as the Prime Minister. This was a resounding endorsement of Patrick Manning’s his outstanding, consummate and indefatigable national leadership. Shortly after acceding to office, Mr. Manning demonstrated his obligation to the democratic process by calling the second national elections in a year. A majority of Trinidadians and Tobagonians embraced his vision and thus voted him back into office with a broader mandate and a clear majority. Clearly he is a visionary leader for the twenty-first century.

Mr. Burke told Caribbean Vibe that Prime Minister Manning has demonstrated a strong commitment to an open and inclusive society, good governance, the rule of law and human rights. The pragmatic policies espoused his Vision 2020 plan for Trinidad and Tobago, constitute a progressive agenda that can beget further economic, social and national renewal in the Twin Island Republic. Ultimately the upshot will be the enhancement of the lives and well-being of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Burke remarked.

Mr. Manning’s selection for the "Democracy Prize" is an acknowledgment of his acumen and central role in advancing the Region’s agenda. Through his sterling public service he has established a record of note and significance that is worthy of honor and emulation. This acclaim, we hope, will inspire other regional leaders to fully and genuinely adopt democratic principles and embrace the virtues of functional integration. This is a prerequisite in societies like ours, with diverse cultures; limited resources and small economies, standing on the threshold of developing a single regional identity in an era of globalization. We congratulate the Prime Minister on his selection as the first winner of “The Democracy Prize.” We thank him for his service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean Region. The Prize was designed to be a coveted and illustrious reward. Indeed, Mr. Manning is inextricably connected to its history and has established an exceptional record by which future nominees will be judged, Burke concluded.

Credits to the Communications and Public Affairs Department of GID.