PNM Unity: Rowley, Manning in Sando walkabout

The Peoples National Movement is inviting its supporters to join a walkabout in San Fernando on February 3 with Political Leader Dr. Keith Rowley and former Prime Minister Patrick Manning, the MP for San Fernando East.

It's a rare show of unity in the PNM since Rowley took over the leadership of the party following the defeat in the 2010 general election.

During that campaign Rowley and Manning were at loggerheads. While Rowley ran as a candidate, he urged supporters to reject Manning and called for a "court martial" of the "captain" of the PNM ship. Once the PNM was defeated, the party hounded Manning out of office and installed Rowley as leader.

The open fight between the two started long before that when Manning fired Rowley from his cabinet in 2008; Rowley claimed that it was because he raised serious questions about UDeCOTT and its executive chairman at the time, Calder Hart.

Rowley told the media at the time his was fired because of his objection to a UDeCOTT plan to construct a 60 room hotel at the Princess Building ground. 

He told the state media: "I was informed of a further development at the Princess Building grounds... and discovered that UDeCOTT had presented development plans to the Cabinet for the construction of a 60 room hotel on that site."

He said it was something he could not tolerate. "As a member of the Cabinet, it was news to me and my colleagues. I took strong objection to it, questioning the jurisdiction of UDeCOTT. Even as a member of the Cabinet, it appears, I am not entitled to voice my objections. For voicing my objections I have been fired."

Manning denied that, stating that Rowley was kicked out because of his "wajang" behaviour. He subsequently described Rowley as "a raging bull" when he doesn't have his way.

There were rumours last year that Manning was part of a plot to undermine Rowley and retake control of the party. But Manning quickly denied that.

In an Internet posting from the party the PNM said both men will be walking and greeting constituents, followed by a meeting at 6:00 pm at the Pleasantville Community Center, Prince Albert Street Pleasantville San Fernando.

"Wear your PNM T-Shirt and come be a part of the rebuilding of the People's National Movement," the invitation said.

The PNM is campaigning for its internal election, which is scheduled to be held on March 30.