PNM tensions deepen as Manning reportedly blocked from speaking at General Council
\nTensions within the People\u2019s National Movement appear to have deepened after San Fernando East MP Brian Manning was reportedly prevented from completing his contribution during an online General Council meeting on Friday night.
\nAccording to accounts from people familiar with the meeting, Manning was able to speak briefly before the discussion became tense.
\nOpposition Senator Dr Amery Browne reportedly challenged Manning during the exchange, while Deputy Political Leader Sanjiv Boodhu is alleged to have warned on several occasions that Manning\u2019s microphone could be muted.
\nSources claim Manning\u2019s microphone was eventually silenced, preventing him from continuing his address.
\nSeveral delegates were reportedly surprised by the development, with some saying they could not recall another occasion in which a sitting PNM Member of Parliament had been prevented from completing a contribution at General Council.
\nOne party member described the General Council as a forum where delegates are traditionally allowed to speak openly on internal matters.
\nThe reported incident comes amid continuing tensions surrounding allegations raised by Manning concerning possible wrongdoing involving individuals linked to the party and his San Fernando East constituency.
\nSome General Council members are reportedly calling for an independent investigation into Manning\u2019s concerns, which are said to include allegations of corruption, nepotism and improper contract arrangements.
\nThose allegations have not been proven, and the individuals reportedly connected to them should be presumed innocent unless and until evidence establishes otherwise.
\nManning has previously been encouraged by party officials to take any evidence of criminal wrongdoing to the police.
\nThe matter has also reportedly attracted the attention of investigators, while Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander has publicly described allegations surrounding the controversy as serious.
\nWithin the PNM, the dispute has become increasingly public, with claims that senior figures and party supporters have been criticising Manning through social media and radio programmes.
\nThere have also been suggestions within the party that Manning is aligned with members associated with former political leader Stuart Young, although people close to Manning reportedly insist his concerns are based on issues within his constituency rather than any wider factional struggle.
\nThe dispute has placed additional pressure on PNM Political Leader Pennelope Beckles-Robinson and senior members of the party as they seek to manage divisions within the organisation.
\nA committee was previously established by the party to examine complaints connected to the San Fernando East constituency and the concerns raised by Manning.
\nQuestions have since been raised by some members about the composition and independence of that process.
\nManning remains a significant figure within the PNM, not only as the MP for San Fernando East but also as the son of former Prime Minister and longtime PNM political leader Patrick Manning.
\nPatrick Manning led the party from 1987 to 2010 and served as Prime Minister from 1991 to 1995 and again from 2001 to 2010.
\nThe latest reported confrontation is likely to intensify scrutiny of Brian Manning\u2019s relationship with the party leadership and could fuel further questions about his political future in San Fernando East.
\nFormer constituency chairman Patricia Alexis is among the names reportedly being discussed as a possible future PNM candidate for the seat.
\nFor now, however, Manning remains the elected representative, while the growing internal dispute continues to expose divisions inside one of the country\u2019s major political parties<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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